OFSTED UNIONS CONDEMN PLANS TO PRIVATISE INSPECTIONS

UNISON, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and First Division

Association (FDA) have today (3 September) condemned plans by Ofsted to

privatise early education and childcare inspections and have called for a re-

think.

Early education and childcare inspectors working for Ofsted ensure standards

across nurseries, summer play schemes, pre-schools and childminding

services.

The privatisation plans come at the same time as a long running pay dispute

in Ofsted over the imposition of a divisive new pay structure and a below

inflation pay settlement. Some members of staff have been asked to take a

three-year pay freeze.

Commenting on the plans, Jon Richards, UNISON Senior National Officer for

Ofsted, said: