Scrapping of single-word Ofsted judgements for early years providers must happen "as soon as possible", says Alliance

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:

"We know that Ofsted inspections are the single biggest source of stress for early years providers, with our research showing that the vast majority of settings are in support of the removal of single-word judgements. As such, confirmation that this change will also apply to the early years sector is undoubtedly positive, and is likely to be warmly welcomed by providers across the country.

"That said, it remains disappointing that despite the fact that this policy change will ultimately impact the entirety of the education sector, today's announcement was almost entirely focused on schools.

"While we recognise that there are additional considerations that must be taken into account for the early years – such as the fact that Ofsted judgements are currently linked to early entitlement funding eligibility – it remains vital that this change is also applied to our sector as soon as possible.

"As we have said time and time again, education doesn't begin and end with schools. We therefore urge both the Department for Education and Ofsted to ensure that as this process of change begins, early years are treated as a priority."