What Outstanding homes have in common
We compared about a thousand Outstanding reports with six thousand Good ones. On the warmth of the care, the two are close. The difference lies in three standards that are mostly about systems rather than relationships.
It is natural to assume that Outstanding homes are simply kinder, warmer places than Good ones. The data suggests that most Good homes already get that part right. Outstanding homes pull ahead in the work that sits behind the daily care. That means care planning, leadership and keeping children safe.
Of the 962 Outstanding full inspections, September 2024 to August 2026:
Where Good homes are already close
We read positive relationships as a clear strength in 93% of Good reports, and in almost every Outstanding one. Enjoyment and achievement was a strength in 87% of Good homes and 98% of Outstanding ones. Children's views, wishes and feelings showed a similar small gap. In most Good homes, inspectors find children who feel cared for and listened to.
Where the gap opens up
Three standards explain most of the difference. For each of them, we read Outstanding homes as a clear strength about twice as often as Good homes.
Share of reports where the standard was a clear strength
Outstanding homes against Good homes, September 2024 to August 2026
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