麻花影视responds to Sir Michael Wilshaw鈥檚 comments on childcare for two-year-olds
4th September 2014
The Pre-school Learning 麻花影视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: 鈥淚f we are going to do something radical to promote social mobility, it鈥檚 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.鈥
Neil Leitch, Pre-school Learning Alliance, said:
鈥淲e are shocked and disappointed that the head of Ofsted felt it appropriate to make such a disparaging comment about childminders.
鈥淐hildminders are a vital source of high-quality, flexible home-based care and learning. As the vast majority are rated 鈥榞ood鈥 or 鈥榦utstanding鈥 by Ofsted, it鈥檚 clear that Sir Michael鈥檚 remarks are not only offensive; they are also ill-informed.
鈥淵oung 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.
鈥淕iven that Ofsted is an 鈥榠ndependent and impartial鈥 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.鈥
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Notes for editors
ABOUT THE ALLIANCE
- The Pre-school Learning 麻花影视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 麻花影视supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The 麻花影视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: