NASUWT comments on Ofsted’s early years report
Commenting on Ofsteds Early Years report Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers union in the UK, said:
“Ofsted’s Early Years report contains some sensible observations on the early years sector, which echo many longstanding concerns of the NASUWT. Perhaps most importantly, Ofsted is right to identify that a highly qualified workforce is critical to securing the best possible provision in the early years sector. And, as the report also sets out, this provision is most likely to be found in maintained settings such as schools and Children’s Centres.
“It is therefore regrettable that in the last five years the Government seemed intent in undermining many of the strengths of the early years sector it inherited in 2010.
“In particular, the closure of hundreds of Children’s Centres served only to destroy the ability of the early years sector to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable young children in society.
“It is even more disappointing that the Conservatives in Government have shown no sign of reversing these regressive policies.
“Provisions in schools and children’s centres ensures disadvantaged children can get the best possible start in life. If Ministers’ statements about improving life chances and closing attainment gaps are to avoid being dismissed as nothing more than empty rhetoric, the Government must reconsider its early years policy.
“Much more effective support is needed to deliver the best levels of provision.”
