OFSTED unions condemn privatisation plans

(4/09/08) UNISON today condemned plans by Ofsted to privatise early education and childcare inspections.

The union, along with the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and First Division Association (FDA), called for a rethink of the proposal, which affects the inspectors who ensure standards across nurseries, summer play schemes, pre-schools and childminding services.

The privatisation plans come at the same time as a long-running dispute with Ofsted, involving 1,000 members of UNISON and PCS, over the imposition of a divisive new pay structure and below-inflation pay settlement. Some members of staff have been asked to take a three-year pay freeze.

“Early years inspectors working for Ofsted are charged with ensuring that every child gets the best start in life,” said UNISON senior national officer Jon Richards.

“This is a vital job, and parents deserve the reassurance of knowing that inspections are done by an independent, reliable and publicly accountable body of staff. This will be severely compromised if inspections are carried out by a private, profit-driven company.

“As an organisation, Ofsted is already understaffed, yet these proposals seek to cut staff,” he added. “UNISON is also concerned that the workers being lined up for sale are those that are taking equal pay claims out against the employer.”

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