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The Pre-school Learning Alliance urges Ofsted to tread carefully around proposals to privatise early education and childcare inspections

NEWS RELEASE

8 September 2008

The Pre-school Learning Alliance urges Ofsted to tread carefully around proposals to privatise early education and childcare inspections

Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Alliance, the largest voluntary sector provider of childcare, said,

"The Alliance appreciates the pressure on Ofsted to run the most efficient and cost-effective inspection services possible, ensure that it is providing value-for-money and making the most of the resources available. We would, however, urge caution for three reasons: the statutory nature of Ofsted combining its policing and prosecution function means that any move to privatise activities would be extremely complex; parents know and understand Ofsted and so any introduction of market forces to its work could undervalue its credibility with parents; like many privatisations, the market could be used to drive down cost and quality of inspection services. This in turn could jeopardise standards and quality of crucial early years services which is in no-one's interests. We therefore urge Ofsted to consider the full ramifications of these proposals "

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Kate Summerside
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2502
Out of hours press calls: 07956 499621
E: Kate Summerside

Notes for Editors:

  1. The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
  2. Through direct provision and its membership of 15,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
  3. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk
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