Other changes include a new grading scale in common with school inspections, a simpler report format, and the introduction of self-assessment as part of a move to integrate inspections for childcare, nursery education, schools and colleges.
But plans to take account of quality assurance schemes endorsed by Investors in Children (IiC) when determining the length and frequency of inspections have been put on hold.
The details were outlined in The Future of Early Years Inspection - Results of the consultation published by Ofsted on Monday (1 November).
Chief Inspector of Schools David Bell said he had decided not to take account of membership of quality assurance schemes at this stage, in spite of the fact that 70 per cent of respondents to the consultation had been in favour of it.
Mr Bell said, 'However, those providers who are members of an IiC scheme are likely to reflect this in their practice, and my inspectors will use such evidence when coming to judgements about the quality and standards of childcare and early education.'
Early years organisations criticised Ofsted for missing an opportunity to acknowledge the role of IiC schemes.
National Day Nurseries Association chief executive Rosemary Murphy said, 'This risks undermining the quality agenda and the vast amount of time, energy and commitment the early education and care sector has put into developing rigorous quality assurance schemes. Ofsted had the potential to encourage the drive for quality by giving incentives to providers who had attained schemes accredited by the Government's Investors in Children kitemark. Parents should be aware that inspection alone cannot raise quality, it can only give a snapshot of minimum standards.'
The National Childminding Association said it was 'a mistake' for Ofsted not to take into account a provider's commitment to IiC schemes.
NCMA chief executive Gill Haynes, said, 'We believe that a provider's active involvement in quality assurance, along with training and continuous professional development, is a strong indicator of high standards of childcare.
'All the research shows that parents want quality childcare and the Government is investing a great deal in IiC-approved QA schemes as a way of driving up quality and informing parents where quality exists. We need Ofsted to support this drive by acknowledging IiC schemes in its inspection assessment. This would not only provide parents with information but also offer a further incentive to providers to join quality assurance schemes.'
But Ms Haynes welcomed much of the new inspection framework which she said reflected Ofsted's 'growing confidence in childminding'. She said the new grading system, which the NCMA had lobbied for, would help parents choose childcare.
For practical reasons childminders will receive a phone call from Ofsted a few days before a planned visit so inspectors can check which days they would be available.
Michael Freeston, director of training and quality assurance at the Pre-School Learning Alliance, said he believed Ofsted had made the right decision 'in not linking quality assurance and inspection at this stage.
But IiC-endorsed schemes must continue to be acknowledged as making positive demonstrable contributions.'
Early years workers who took part in the consultation overwhelmingly supported the move towards no-notice inspections, with 94 per cent in favour.
The report can be downloaded at www.ofsted.gov.uk.