Is early years safeguarding fit for purpose? MPs hear evidence
Safeguarding in nurseries and other early years settings will be examined by MPs on Tuesday, as they continue an inquiry into early years.
Meeting details
After recent high-profile cases of abuse by nursery staff, MPs on the Education Committee are exploring whether early years safeguarding, and oversight by Ofsted and local authorities, is fit for purpose.
MPs are likely to ask whether early years staff feel confident that their safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon, and what mechanisms exist to protect them from feeling intimidated or discouraged from reporting their concerns.
They are likely to explore whether early years settings have enough suitably qualified staff to keep children safe, and what measures are needed to ensure safeguarding is effective even when nurseries have staff shortages or limited resources.
They are also likely to ask how Ofsted and local authorities hold early years settings accountable for safeguarding, including how lessons from serious problems are learned for future inspections.