Ofsted early years director resigns

The director of Ofsted’s early years inspection services has
resigned just weeks before the publication of a report on its first
year of operation, writes David
Brown.

Maggie Smith blamed health and family problems for her
resignation after less than two years in the job.

She had overseen 1,600 staff responsible for regulating
childminders, group providers of day care and out of school clubs
and holiday schemes.

There have been reports of lengthy delays in the registration of
new childminders, and complaints from some home-based inspectors
about problems using Ofsted’s computer system.

Owen Davies, national officer for social services for Unison,
said: “Our members have reported serious problems within the early
years directorate and have warned that the performance targets are
completely unrealistic.”