Ofsted introduces new online notification tool for reporting significant incidents

Childcare providers must use a new online notification form to inform Ofsted of serious and significant events, rather than via phone or email.

The new form becomes operational from 28 January 2021.

Ofsted said that the new form had been introduced to “make sure we can act on the information that is shared with us as quickly as possible, without any undue delay.”

Ofsted also confirmed that the new form can be accessed on both mobile and tablets, so that information can be submitted swiftly anywhere.
When notifying Ofsted using this form, providers will need to have to hand:
- unique reference number (URN)
- childcare address
- details of the incident and details of those involved
The new system will send a confirmation receipt of the information and providers will be able download a copy for their own records. Early years settings may be contacted for further information.
Providers should notify Ofsted as soon as practical, and in any case within 14 days of a notifiable event happening. For full guidance on what is classed as a notifiable event or serious incident, refer to the early years and childcare compliance handbook.