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Responding to the select committee findings, Ofsted Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, said:

“There is much in this report that we welcome, particularly the recognition of the impact of Ofsted’s work, our independence, and the important role inspection plays in improving quality.

“The question of 'who inspects?' is much less important than the quality of inspection and the impact it has on raising standards and improving people’s lives. Ofsted is proud of the work it's done across the whole of its remit since it took on its present brief in 2007.

“Any proposal for further reorganisation needs to be very carefully considered and is ultimately a matter for the Government. There are issues about additional costs and a risk of distraction from the core business - namely continuing to deliver high quality, rigorous inspection which helps to drive up standards for children and learners everywhere.

“There are many constructive suggestions and observations contained in the report and we will now consider these in detail to continue to improve our work. We accept, for example, the concerns about the Voluntary Childcare Register and would welcome changes to the legislation under which that operates."

Responding to the report, Baroness Sally Morgan of Huyton, Chair of Ofsted, said:

"The Ofsted Board takes this report very seriously. We acknowledge, for example, the need for Ofsted to communicate more effectively about its work and to make its reports and information more accessible. That is why I have been so keen to launch a new website, which we will be doing within the next few months.

“The Board has been particularly interested in how Ofsted could do more to engage with parents, and this is reflected in the proposals published last month in relation to school inspections.

“Ultimately, the most important consideration is that inspection is of a high quality and continues to raise standards for children and learners.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Ofsted was created as the single inspectorate for children and learners in April 2007. Its care and education remit was intended to mirror the roles and responsibilities of children’s services departments in local authorities, and those of the relevant government department, now the Department for Education.

2. The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

3. Media can contact the Ofsted Press Office through 020 7421 6574 or via Ofsted's enquiry line 0300 1231231 between 8.30am - 6.30pm Monday - Friday. Out of these hours, during evenings and weekends, the duty press officer can be reached on 07919 057359.