�㽶��Ƶapp

Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: 

“We welcome Ofsted’s measured and phased approach to a return to inspections. Early years providers have been doing their utmost to support children and families throughout the pandemic. As such, they will be heartened to know that while we continue to deal with these exceptional circumstances, they will be judged on their commitment to providing the best possible standard of care and education in light of the unique challenges they are facing. 

"It is of course vital that Ofsted provides clear explanations to parents and providers of what the new inspection criteria means in practice, and this will be especially important for any 'good' or 'outstanding' settings being awarded a temporary 'assurance' outcome. 

"What's more, as full inspections return in the summer, it is important that providers who have received interim visits - and particularly those who feel they have improved - can be assessed again in a timely manner to obtain an Ofsted rating that clearly reflects the standard of care and education they provide.”