Equality, diversity and inclusion statement: publication of statistics on childcare providers and inspections
Updated 11 May 2021
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/publication-of-statistics-on-childcare-providers-and-inspections/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-statement
Introduction
This document sets out Ofsted’s consideration of how the proposed changes to its publication of childcare providers and inspections statistics will enable Ofsted to fulfil the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, including the public sector equality duty (PSED) set out in section 149 of that Act.
The PSED requires Ofsted, when exercising all its functions, to have due regard to the need to:
- eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010
- advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it
- foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it
We are publishing this statement as part of the consultation proposals for changes to the childcare providers and inspections statistics that are published by Ofsted. This statement sets out our assessment of the equality, diversity and inclusion implications linked to the proposed new arrangements before consultation.
We will consider any consultation comments received that raise matters related to equality, diversity and inclusion. This may result in changes to the proposals. We will reflect any comments received in our published consultation response, and may publish a revised version of this equality, diversity and inclusion statement.
Proposals
We are proposing some changes to the childcare providers and inspections publication, namely:
- reducing the publication frequency of our official statistics on childcare providers and inspections from 3 times to 2 times per year
- providing management information twice per year to provide more regular updates to the data
- making changes to data tables to provide a more detailed picture of the childcare sector
How the proposed new arrangements may impact on those with protected characteristics and the 3 PSED aims
We have considered how the proposed new arrangements could have an impact on individuals or groups of people with protected characteristics. We have also considered whether the proposals meet the 3 PSED aims.
Our intention is to ensure that our childcare providers and inspections statistics are able to support the advancement of equality, diversity and inclusion. The proposed new arrangements will mean that we are able to provide users with more in-depth analysis in our official statistics, as well as being able to produce more frequent data releases to keep the sector informed. We believe that it will have a positive impact overall for all users, including those with protected characteristics.
We believe that the only protected characteristic that is of particular relevance to the proposed new arrangements is disability.
Eliminating discrimination and advancing equality of opportunity
As stated above, the proposed new arrangements will have a positive impact for all our users, providing them with in-depth analysis in our official statistics as well as being able to produce more frequent data releases to keep the sector informed.
The UK Statistics Authority Code of Practice provides producers of official statistics with the detailed practices they must commit to when producing and releasing statistics. As part of this, we ensure that our statistics are equally available to all. We also produce statistics, data and guidance that are easily accessible to our users. The needs of different types of users and potential users are considered when determining ways of presenting and releasing the statistics and data. We are committed to being transparent about our statistical production process and public engagement with users to ensure fairness and openness in our approach.
Monitoring and evaluation
We do not anticipate that the proposed new arrangements will have a disproportionate impact on individuals or groups who share protected characteristics. We consider that we have given full and appropriate consideration to all elements of the PSED.
The consultation process on the proposed new arrangements provides the opportunity for all stakeholders to raise any concerns they may have in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion. This statement may need to be revised in the light of any responses received. If revised, we will re-publish it with our report on the outcome of the consultation.
We will also monitor the implementation of any changes to our childcare providers and inspections statistics to ensure that they support all users effectively, and to ensure that no particular group is affected negatively.