Concern mounts over Ofsted early years downgradings

The Pre-school Learning Alliance has sent a Freedom of Information request to the children's services watchdog, demanding that it reveals how many early years settings have seen their Ofsted rating reduced following a complaint-initiated inspection during the past two years.

The alliance has also asked for data on the number of providers whose ratings have been downgraded during the quality assurance process over the same period.

The request follows complaints made to the alliance by early years providers, who reported that Ofsted told them if they were inspected following a complaint, the highest rating they could achieve would be satisfactory.

Alliance members have also said they were told by inspectors that they had received a good or outstanding result, but this decision was subsequently downgraded during a quality assurance process.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said Ofsted was ignoring complaints from providers.

“The sheer volume of complaints about such incidents shows that this is an issue that cannot, and must not, be ignored – and yet, for all intents and purposes, Ofsted seems to be doing just that,” said Leitch.

“The alliance has endeavoured to make the case for the publication of such data directly with Ofsted, but with no indication as to when, or if, this information would be forthcoming, we feel we have no option but to make a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act.

“If the inspection process is as fair as Ofsted says it is, there should be no reluctance to release this data.”

Members of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) have raised similar concerns, prompting the charity to launch a series of workshops addressing providers’ concerns with Ofsted.

From September, NDNA will hold sessions explaining the background to Ofsted’s complaints-driven inspections process and how nurseries can ensure time spent with inspectors is productive.

Earlier this month, NDNA chief executive Purnima Tanuku met with Ofsted’s director of early childhood Sue Gregory to discuss the concerns.

Gregory agreed to investigate cases and report back to NDNA with her findings.

In related news, the London Early Years Foundation launched a campaign this week, the #OfstedBigConversation, to encourage providers, local authority members and others working in early years to discuss their experiences of Ofsted downgrades.

An Ofsted spokesman responded to the concerns, saying the watchdog's early years inspectors are "fully trained experts who have a background in early childhood before they are even considered for the job".
 
“They base their ratings on what they see and hear at inspection and what they know about the provision," he continued.

"More than nine out of ten nurseries and other early years providers say they are satisfied with their inspection.

"If a provider is not content with the way the inspection was undertaken then we will be happy to discuss the matter with them.
 
“Anyone can see current and previous ratings for early years providers on our website.”