Inspection freeze 'undermines' children's centres, charity warns

The government suspended Ofsted inspections of children's centres in September 2015 "on a short-term basis" pending a consultation on their future, which is still yet to take place.

According to analysis by Action for Children, had inspections not been suspended, an estimated 969 children's centres - around 40 per cent of the total - would have been assessed for quality of performance and impact.

While the suspension has been in place, Ofsted has still been responsible for emergency inspections of centres if a safeguarding concern is raised. However, Action for Children said that a Freedom of Information request it made in July 2017 found that no such emergency inspections were carried out as none were required.

Before the suspension, Ofsted was required to inspect centres no later than five years after the previous inspection. Inspections collect evidence on aspects such as the safety of the centre, how its public finances are managed, how well it serves young children and parents in the area and its success in identifying prospective families in most need.

Chief executive of Action for Children, Sir Tony Hawkhead, said: "The government acknowledges that children's centres have an ‘important role to play' in ensuring all children get the best possible start in life, but the ongoing freeze of Ofsted inspections is undermining them.