Ofsted's early education chief to leave post

A letter to early years providers from current national director Nick Hudson said he will be “moving on” from the role on 1 September.

Responsibility for early education inspection policy will be passed to Sean Harford, Ofsted’s national director for education, supported by Gill Jones, deputy director of early education.

Hudson will remain with Ofsted as regional director for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber.

The precise reason behind his departure as national director for early years is unclear.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as national director, early education and have appreciated the professional dialogue, which has informed the changes we have introduced over the last 18 months,” Hudson’s letter states.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance said the move to hand control of early years to the national director for education is “one of concern” and could indicate a desire for greater focus on academic skills such as reading, writing and maths, and less on play.

“It appears to be yet another move towards early schoolification,” Leitch said.

“No single individual has done more to listen and act upon sector recommendations than Nick Hudson, so it is hard to see this as anything more than a regressive step,” he said.

“Changes were made under his leadership. He was prepared to listen.”