These represent a fairly comprehensive revamp of the current system, which most providers have only just become accustomed to, it seems.
However, changes in early years and childcare have been so rapid in the past few years that a radical overhaul is necessary to reflect these - particularly with the rise of integrated facilities.
The proposed new inspection framework would be based on the outcomes for children identified in the Green Paper, Every Child Matters. This means that settings will be judged on 'economic well-being' (increasing the chances of improving children's social and economic status by helping their parents back to work). This sounds very tricky and full of potential pitfalls.
Ofsted wants reactions to the consultation by 30 September, so make sure you respond in time. Let Nursery World know, too, what you think.
We've made some changes to our news section this week. Listings of courses and conferences move to page 8, while new features include Media Watch and a revolving monthly round-up which this week looks at new nursery launches.
