The inspectorate wants to outsource services because its childcare inspectors feel "demotivated and undervalued". The document also refers to Ofsted's successful work with the private sector on school inspections as grounds for change.
Ofsted has said outsourcing early years inspections will provide better outcomes and save money, although a timetable for the changeover has not yet been finalised.
Dwynwen Stepien, head of the Local Authority Early Years Network at the National Children's Bureau, said the plans were "very disappointing". She warned the move could have a negative effect on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). "Our concern is that it would destabilise attempts to embed the EYFS framework," she said.
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