Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association, said whether the inspections are outsourced or brought in-house the issues surrounding quality and consistency must be addressed.
"Ofsted inspections have been a real issue for the sector since the new framework came into force. NDNA has been working hard to raise these concerns through face-to-face meetings with Ofsted and ministers as well as supporting sector campaign Ofsted Big Conversation.
"A move to bring early years inspections in-house would show these concerns around the consistency and quality of outsourced inspection staff have been listened to and acted on.
"It is to be hoped this is just the beginning of an inspection overhaul and through its engagement with Ofsted NDNA would see this as a first step toward implementing paid for inspections and a national strategy group. Having a strategic group with representative organisations and providers to consult on any changes and ensure the QA process would be the right way to move things forward."