Features

Where Ofsted and the law collide

Jacqui Mann on navigating tricky waters between Ofsted and employment law

Picture the scene: a child has bruises after attending nursery for a day. One of their parents says this must have happened at the nursery. Nursery management contacts Ofsted who advise suspension of the member of staff pending an investigation.

Unhappily in what is an already stressful situation, employment law can sometimes seemingly conflict with what is required by Ofsted. Under employment law, employers must act reasonably and fairly if suspending an employee. But the EYFS' has stringent safeguarding and welfare requirements, including ‘Providers must take all necessary steps to keep children safe and well’, which can mean there is a temptation to suspend without consideration for the employee's rights.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here