Nurseries and childminders will be given more freedom in a radical shake-up of the inspections system aimed to cut bureaucracy, Ofsted announced on Monday.
Institutions and individuals will no longer be given separate ratings on how well they keep youngsters safe and promote healthy lifestyles.
Ofsted has published its plans to revamp early years inspections, which will see the number of judgments cut from 18 to around five.
Under the plans, in future, inspectors will grade services on quality and standards, including how well they care for children and support their development; overall outcomes, leadership and management and how effective they are at meeting children's needs.
The watchdog said the proposals, which are now out for consultation, will "raise expectations" and focus more on children's personal, social and emotional development and the progress that they make.
Inspectors will still look at and report on other areas, such as whether children have healthy lifestyles, are safe, enjoy learning and are developing skills for the future.
But, unlike the current system, there will not be separate ratings for these areas in the future.
Ofsted said the proposed changes will give nurseries and childminders more freedom to manage themselves and cut bureaucracy.
At the same time, the inspectorate said it would be strengthening registration and measures to deal with those who do not comply with regulations.
Ofsted's director of education and care, Jean Humphrys, said the move was important to providers of pre-school care and education.
"Ofsted is aiming to find the right level of enforcement to ensure that children are safe and well cared for. Our overriding ambition is to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.
"The changes we are proposing provide a balance," she added. They will reassure parents that our systems and processes for regulating early years and childcare providers are robust, preventing unsuitable people from having access to children, while simplifying inspection for those providing care."