аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø¿ª½± must include early years in inspection reforms, Alliance warns following Prevention of Future Deaths report response

The Early Years Alliance has issued a comment on  to the Prevention of Future Deaths report.

Commenting, Alliance CEO Neil Leitch said: 

"We know that for many working in education settings, inspections can be an incredibly daunting and stressful prospect. As such, аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø¿ª½±'s commitment to taking a more compassionate approach to visits is to be welcomed.

"That said, while we recognise that the plans announced today were prompted by concerns raised around school inspections, we're absolutely clear that the early years sector must be central to these reforms, alongside our school and further education peers.

"Recent research conducted by the Alliance found that around eight in 10 early years providers are regularly stressed about inspections, with many providers describing the severe negative impact that аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø¿ª½± visits have had on their mental wellbeing.

"There is no question, therefore, that the need for professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect in inspections must apply to all sectors under аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø¿ª½±'s remit. The hardworking professionals who support children across all areas of care and education deserve nothing less."