Ofsted decision on in-house inspections does not go far enough

Commenting on the announcement that Ofsted inspections in schools and colleges are set to be brought back in-house, UNISON National Officer Ben Thomas said:
 
“The decision to bring school and college inspections in-house is welcome as this is clearly the best model for an accountable and transparent inspection framework, but we are extremely disappointed that this will not apply to early years inspectors.
 
“Since early years inspections have been transferred to Tribal and Prospects* we have seen a growth in the number offreelance inspectors, and nurseries have complained of difficulties with the consistency and quality of inspections.
 
“Michael Wilshaw needs to show that he values early years equally and he should commit to bringing early years inspections back in-house too.”
 
ends
 
Notes to Editors
 
*Tribal and Prospects are contracted to carry out early years inspections.