Alliance responds to Sir Michael Wilshaw’s comments on childcare for two-year-olds

4th September 2014

The Pre-school Learning Alliance has criticised remarks made by Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw in the Evening Standard (3 September 2014) on suitable childcare provision for funded two-year-olds.

In the interview, Sir Michael said: “If we are going to do something radical to promote social mobility, it’s too late by the time these youngsters are 11 or 16. With poor families now getting 15 hours free provision of childcare, the Government should try to ensure they go to a school-based nursery, not the local childminder.”

Neil Leitch, Pre-school Learning Alliance, said:

“We are shocked and disappointed that the head of Ofsted felt it appropriate to make such a disparaging comment about childminders.

“Childminders are a vital source of high-quality, flexible home-based care and learning. As the vast majority are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, it’s clear that Sir Michael’s remarks are not only offensive; they are also ill-informed.

“Young children, and especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, need age-appropriate learning and development opportunities that encourage play, exploration and creativity. The view that schools are best placed to provide this is completely misguided.

“Given that Ofsted is an ‘independent and impartial’ inspection and regulation body, we would suggest that it spends less time trying to influence government policy, and more on supporting the huge existing network of experienced, passionate childminders who play such a pivotal role in the provision of early years care and education in this country.”

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Notes for editors

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE

  • The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
  • Through direct provision and its membership of 14,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
  • For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website:

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