Evan Wright advised two independent children’s nurseries following decisions by OFSTED to suspend the operation of both settings. Evan attended meetings with OFSTED and prepared written representations.

Appeals were lodged and although case management hearings were fixed, OFSTED voluntarily lifted the suspensions in advance of the hearings.

The approach was collaborative, transparent and productive. Confrontation and criticism would have achieved nothing, although some robust submissions were made about the timing of the information supplied to OFSTED as part of reaching their decision to intervene. The settings reviewed their policies to give OFSTED greater assurances going forward and updated training to minimise the risk of future non-compliance. The matter was funded by a fixed fee, which offered best value to nurseries wishing to budget in difficult circumstances. The whole matter was resolved within two weeks.