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New inspection framework welcomed

NEWS RELEASE

1 November 2004

New inspection framework welcomed

The Pre-school Learning Alliance today broadly welcomed Ofsted's revision of the early years and childcare inspection framework, following the publication of results of the regulator's consultation.

Commenting on the results and conclusions, Pre-school Learning Alliance Director of Training and Quality Assurance, Michael Freeston said:

"We welcome the publication of the consultation results and the proposed move to little or no notice inspections. The Alliance has supported this development for some time and carries out no notice compliance visits in its own nurseries.

In addition, we welcome Ofsted's decision not to take account of the membership of quality assurance schemes in the inspection of settings at this stage. In its response to the consultation, the Alliance argued that whereas Ofsted's role is to sustain a regulatory framework that assesses whether a setting has passed minimum standards, quality assurance schemes work with settings to support their commitment to improve continually the quality of their provision.

Like similar programmes, the Alliance's Accreditation Scheme: Aiming for Quality, endorsed by Investors in Children, has a different approach to that of inspection and it is vital that they continue to remain largely distinct from the regulation and inspection process".

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Andrew Fletcher
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7278 9037
Out of hours press calls: 07979 531 130
E: Andrew Fletcher

Notes for Editors:

  1. The Pre-school Learning Alliance links 15,000 pre-schools and 500,000 young children and their families in England. Established in 1961 and registered as an educational charity, the Alliance is the national dimension of the pre-school movement. The charity is involved in more Sure Start projects than any other organisation and operates a number of Neighbourhood Nurseries. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk.
  2. The Future of Early Years Inspection: Results of the Consultation can be accessed at www.ofsted.gov.uk
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