Claire Stevenson successfully represents OFSTED in a six-day tribunal hearing before the First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber)

ELA Ltd v OFSTED 

The provider appealed after their registration to provide childcare at two nursery settings was cancelled. The appellant had a poor inspection history. Over eight years, there had been a number of inspections, resulting in numerous breaches of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and notices being issued, which were not complied with. This led to Ofsted cancelling registration. The appellant was no longer meeting the prescribed requirements for registration, and there was a lack of capacity to improve compliance with legal requirements designed to keep children safe and well, and to ensure that their learning and development needs are met.

Claire won legal arguments as to the admissibility of evidence, and an application to adduce further evidence. There were seven witnesses for the respondent, six for the appellant. Most of the breaches were contested, so that there was a large amount of evidence to go through, including live evidence, inspection reports, correspondence, and recordings. The decision to cancel registration was confirmed. The appeal was dismissed.

26th February 2019