Opinion: Editor's view

Big changes are afoot at Ofsted, which seems over the past few years to have ballooned as it sucked up new sectors to inspect, only to then begin outsourcing large parts of the daily work.

So it is with the early years and childcare providers (see News, page 6). Ofsted took over inspection from local authorities, causing fear and trepidation among childminders in particular. But it is now awarding contracts to private companies beginning with a £64m, five-year deal with Tribal for the south of England.

Tribal has considerable relevant experience and will take on many current Ofsted inspectors to do the job. However, the more that different providers are involved with childcare inspections, the more that complaints about inconsistency are likely to grow. Nursery World regularly hears tales from settings who have had brilliant inspectors, but more from those who are dissatisfied with the process.

Many lament the loss of local authority inspectors, who also had an advisory role. Now, these early years advisory staff are often frustrated when Ofsted marks down providers in their area for having implemented their recommendations.

Inspection reports have become so slimmed down that it is hard to glean much of a picture of the provision concerned.

If the Early Years Foundation Stage is to continue to have a broadly positive effect on early years services, inspections (and inspectors) must be rigorous, knowledgeable and consistent.

Nursery World Awards

The Nursery World Awards 2010 are open for entries. You'll find the form inside this week's issue and on our website www.nurseryworld.co.uk. Make sure to tell the world about your brilliant staff and practice.