In January 2012 Sir Michael Wilshaw, Ofsted's new chief inspector (and a former head teacher himself) proposed a move to no-notice inspections for schools.  Announcing the move, Sir Michael said no-notice inspections were a "logical progression" and that it was "important that parents had confidence in the system". The proposal was endorsed by Michael Gove (the Education Secretary) who said the move would "provide parents with a truer picture of schools' performance".

Cue large outcry from head teachers (who currently receive 48 hours notice that an Ofsted inspection of their school will take place) at their recent conference. Cue subsequent u-turn on no-notice inspections by Mr Gove who, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph last week, now believes that "teachers and heads had a right to know of an impending visit so they could present their school in the best possible light"!

So, it looks like schools will get to keep their 48 hour notice period.  In the early years sector, nurseries attached to schools and childminders also receive 48 hours notice that they will be inspected - whereas playgroups and private nurseries get.... no notice.

Advocates for unannounced inspections argue that they are preferable because they ensure that Ofsted (and therefore parents) are getting 'a true picture' of what is going on at a setting when they visit.

Meanwhile, opponents of 'no-notice' inspection say they are deeply offended by the proposition because it appears to send a message that 'we (Ofsted) don't trust you'.  In addition they argue that, in any event, 48 hours is simply not enough time for underperforming settings to materially address and fix shortcomings in their practice and they say that any attempt to 'paper over the cracks' can easily be spotted during the inspection process.

In our view, good settings have nothing to fear whenever the inspector calls - whereas bad ones have much to lose.  It's why one of our long-held credos at Polly's is that we will conduct ourselves as if 'every day is an Ofsted day'.  It's an important part of an overall approach which is focused on creating a culture of consistent, high performance at the nursery and it has helped us to achieve the highest possible rating at our last four - unannounced - Ofsted inspections.

However, as people who spend a great deal of our time helping young children to learn about fairness, the irony of an inspection system that iniquitously gives notice to some but not to others is not lost on us. Surely schools, nurseries, playgroups and childminders should all have 48 hours notice or we should all be subject to no-notice inspections.

Whether Ofsted decides to give notice or no notice of inspections we really don't mind.  But please, Mr Gove, can we have a level playing field?