The new inspections started four weeks ago and are designed to improve public confidence in councils' child protection services following the death of Baby P.
As of Wednesday last week, nine unannounced inspections had taken place, with Ofsted reporting "serious concerns" in six councils.
While the results have not been published, individual councils have seen their own results. The findings are presented in a letter that, rather than giving a simple "pass" or "fail" judgement, covers strengths, areas for development and serious concerns.
But directors of children's services (DCSs) have told CYP Now that the large number of councils deemed to be failing reflects flaws in the system. The concerns have prompted the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) to call for the no-notice inspections to be suspended. ADCS president Kim Bromley-Derry said: "We have asked Ofsted to stop in order for us to take stock."
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