Alliance comments on latest children’s centre inspection statistics
25th June 2015
Commenting on children’s centre inspection outcomes for the period January - March 2015, published today, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said:
“It is positive to see that outcomes for children’s centre groups have improved over the past year - especially given that the number of centres working in such an arrangement is increasing. However, the fact remains that nearly half of such centres are still rated as ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’. This, in addition to the fact that single centres have seen a decline in outcomes, and that more than a third of centres overall remain less than ‘good’, is of great concern.
“As highlighted by the Education Committee in March, there is still a distinct lack of clarity from central government on the role and purpose of children’s centres. This, alongside sustained funding cuts, will inevitably result in a patchy and fragmented system of variable quality. Given the vital role that children’s centres play in supporting children and families - and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds - it is vital that the government looks to address this issue as a matter of priority, and ensures that these centres are being adequately supported to provide services of consistently high quality.”
For further information or to interview, Neil Leitch, Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance please contact:
Shannon Hawthorne
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2503
E: Shannon Hawthorne
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Notes for editors
- 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: