Consultations

Ofsted:  Ofsted is consulting (closes on 6 April 2012) on changes to the way it registers & inspects early years providers, including nurseries & childminders, following the recent review of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The changes will coincide with the revised EYFS, which the Government intends to publish in September 2012.

Press release & links

ScotGov:  Proposals for a costs capping scheme in cases challenging decisions by public authorities which impact on the environment have been published in a Scottish Government consultation (closes on 3 April 2012).  The usual rule in civil cases is that the 'loser pays'. The proposals as a whole are designed to provide access to justice in environmental cases within a robust legislative framework which allows public bodies to make decisions with confidence.

Press release & links

Ofsted:  Ofsted has launched a consultation (closes on 3 April 2012) on changes to the inspection of adoption support agencies.  Key proposals are to reduce the number of judgements and to give shorter notice of inspections.  

This will help to focus inspections on what makes the most difference in bringing about positive outcomes for children, adoptive families & adults who use the service and allow inspectors to gain as true a picture as possible.  Following consultation, inspections under the new framework will begin in September 2012.

Press release & links

NIA:  As part of its Inquiry into School Councils, the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Education is asking (just) all school Principals to complete an online questionnaire to find out how many school councils there are, and gather views on their work and impact.  The link to an online questionnaire will be sent directly to Headteachers in a letter.

The Committee is also interested in hearing from schools that do not have school councils, to understand their reasons and learn about alternative forms of pupil participation they may be using. 

Press release & links

DCMS:  In October 2011, the Chancellor announced £150m for improving mobile coverage across the with the aim of extending it to 99% of the population and eliminate voice not-spots Communications Minister Ed Vaizey has now published a document asking industry for information & views on:

* where the not-spots are 
* the best approach to tackling them 
* the different infrastructure options 
* ensuring the chosen solution can be used by all mobile operators

Those wanting to take part have until 10 February 2012 to respond to the questions in the document so procurement can begin in spring this year, with users seeing the benefit from early 2013.  A separate question document will be published shortly to seek the views of Local Authorities and Devolved Administrations. 

Further information

Press release & links

EU News
:  A secure & transparent integrated payments environment throughout the EU could create more efficient, modern & safer means of payments – for the benefits of consumers, merchants and payment providers.  The Commission seeks the views of stakeholders as to which obstacles hinder further market integration and how these could be resolved – See ‘EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc’ section for more information.

Press release & links

Free, Secure, Compliant UK Public Sector IT Recycling Service