The Ofsted Big Conversation London 2026

The OBC Was Hard Won. We Must Keep Showing Up

The Ofsted Big Conversation (OBC) did not appear overnight. It was built slowly, patiently and sometimes painfully by an Early Years sector determined to be heard. Those newer to the sector, or attending the OBC for the first time, may not realise quite how different things once were. There was a time when communication between Ofsted and providers felt almost entirely one way. The sector felt ignored, unheard and disconnected from the realities of inspection. The relationship was often tense, defensive and unproductive.

The London OBC helped change that.

It has taken years of persistence, respectful challenge and quiet work behind the scenes to build a space where providers, nursery leaders and Ofsted inspectors can sit together and have honest professional conversations about Early Years inspection, nursery leadership and education standards. That is rare. It matters. And it only works if people continue to show up.

That is why I am urging you to attend the next London OBC. Book now!

London has always preferred meeting in person and we have deliberately protected that format because relationships matter. We want a room full of thoughtful people willing to share ideas, concerns and solutions, while also amplifying those conversations back into the wider Early Years sector.

Why This London OBC Matters Now

This next meeting comes at an important time for the Early Years and childcare sector. Many local authorities have changed following the May elections. The new Ofsted inspection framework is bedding in. Inspectors have now been using the five-grade model for nearly six months. Questions around consistency, interpretation and inspector confidence are naturally emerging across nurseries and Early Years settings.

We will therefore explore:

• Recent Ofsted inspection themes and reports
• The interpretation of “Strong” and “Exceptional” within the new Ofsted grading framework
• Inspection methodology and toolkits
• How to engage constructively during an Ofsted inspection
• How to challenge or complain where necessary
• What emerging patterns in inspection reports are telling us about the future of Early Years education

SEND, Inclusion and the BRIDGE Project

We will also hear about the BRIDGE Project findings relating to children with SEND, presented by Ivana La Valle and Wendy Creegan. At a time when inclusion and SEND support remain major concerns across education and childcare, this work feels especially timely for nursery leaders, providers and educators.

Read the report now.

Introducing Nursery by Design

In addition, we will introduce our new book, Nursery by Design, which asks an important question:

How do we design nurseries that are pedagogically strong, emotionally intelligent and socially just, rather than simply “Instagrammable”?

Access a free first chapter

The Big Conversation Needs Your Voice

And finally, there will be the Big Conversation itself.

Please come prepared with questions. The Early Years sector learns when people are willing to speak honestly and collectively. So please come. We will provide the tea and biscuits. We simply ask you to bring your experience, your curiosity and your willingness to listen, not just for yourself, but for colleagues who cannot be in the room.

Then take those conversations back into the sector and amplify them widely.

The OBC only works when it belongs to all of us. Book your place now. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ofsted Big Conversation (OBC)?

The Ofsted Big Conversation is a professional forum where Early Years providers, nursery leaders and inspectors come together to discuss inspection practice, sector concerns and emerging education themes.

Who should attend the London OBC?

The event is designed for nursery managers, Early Years leaders, childcare providers, educators, local authority representatives and anyone involved in Early Years education and inspection.

What topics will be covered at the next London OBC?

Topics include the new Ofsted inspection framework, inspection methodology, grading consistency, SEND provision, complaint processes and emerging inspection trends.

What is the five-grade Ofsted model?

The five-grade model is the updated Ofsted grading structure currently being used during inspections. Discussions around consistency and interpretation are becoming increasingly important across the sector.

What is the BRIDGE Project?

The BRIDGE Project explores findings and research relating to children with SEND and inclusive practice within education and childcare settings.

What is Nursery by Design?

Nursery by Design is a new book exploring how nurseries can be designed to support pedagogy, emotional intelligence, inclusion and social justice, rather than focusing purely on aesthetics.