Jean Simmons argued that the private sector had been an area for 'substandard practices for many years' in her 29 November letter and hoped that state funding would end the need for private provision, spelling closure for 'the countless nightmare establishments which exist in Scotland'.
Patricia McGinty, director of Bishopbriggs Childcare Centre in Glasgow, said she was 'overwhelmed' by Ms Simmons' comments. 'I wonder what method- ology she has employed to carry out her assessment of private sector provision. It is a gross insult to both local authorities' registration and inspection services and to the quality development teams working with the private providers. I would be happy to arrange a visit to my centre to show Ms Simmons how mistaken her impression is.'
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