The Department for Education have published a summary of responses received, along with their response, to a consultation on proposed changes to early years fees paid to Ofsted, and on the principles that should underpin a revised fee model.
The consultation sought views on a proposed increase to the application fee and annual fee paid to Ofsted by early years settings on the Early Years Register. Just over half of respondents disagreed that uprating fees in this way was reasonable. The consultation also sought views on a varying fee model. Nearly three-quarters supported the principle of varying fees based on different categories.
The Department of Education has decided not to implement any fee increase from April 2020, and will make any future proposals to increase fees subject to public consultation. They plan to develop a revised fee model to be introduced in April 2021. Responses to the consultation, along with further engagement with sector stakeholders, will help them to develop these proposals.