Today the inspectorate announced a number of reforms to inspections, however just one, changes to its complaints process, applies to both early years settings and schools. The proposed changes are currently out for consultation
Other measures being introduced include - re-inspecting schools judged inadequate and ineffective for safeguarding sooner, giving schools more of an idea when they will be inspected and expanding the reach of the Department for Education funded programme to provide mental health support to headteachers.
- Read more on the proposed changes to the Ofsted complaints process here
The Early Years Alliance accused Ofsted of ‘completely underestimating the negative impact of inspections on the early years workforce.’
Chief executive Neil Leitch explained, ‘Ofsted knows all too well that concerns over the impact of inspections are far from limited to schools.
‘How can it be acceptable to announce a series of reforms to the way schools are inspected, while completely ignoring the need for change in the early years?
‘It’s clear that Ofsted has completely underestimated the negative impact of inspections on the early years workforce.’
'Tone deaf (at time of acute recruitment crisis) doesn’t cover it.’
Others vented their frustration on Twitter.
Aaron Bradbury, principal lecturer in early childhood at Nottingham Trent University, said, ‘They [Ofsted] have tinkered around the edges, some is movement in the right direction but the sector, both education and EYs have had enough of the bullying culture Ofsted have created.’
Another user tweeted, ‘Disgusting! Completely forgetting that often early years inspections are much [sic] high stakes, with owners mortgages often at stake. As much as I really do care about school headteachers, it's not the same as potential closure and bankruptcy.’
KT T (@thepetitioner) commented, ‘So absolutely no mention of inspections for #earlyyears providers, a slightly different EIF, but exactly same safeguarding & quality of education pressures, stresses & impact of Ofsted. Tone deaf (at time of acute recruitment crisis) doesn’t cover it.’
'Ofsted inspections need to be proportionate and effective, they should not create fear for practitioners'.
The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) was, however, more positive about the proposed changes to Ofsted’s complaints process.
Chief executive Purnima Tanuku said, ‘NDNA has been calling for the Ofsted complaints and appeals procedure to be overhauled for years, so we very much welcome this long-awaited consultation on proposed changes to handling complaints.
‘Ofsted inspections need to be proportionate and effective, they should not create fear for practitioners. Inspectors must understand the challenges the sector is facing and work with them collaboratively.’