Ofsted lawyers - Ofsted compliance & regulation

Why Stephensons?

Our firm has developed an excellent reputation in this field and we pride ourselves on achieving the best possible results for our clients. We have successfully defended and represented numerous providers across a variety of sectors, assisting them in retaining their registration, challenging an inspection report or unfair grading, and avoiding criminal prosecution.

We have a network of offices across the country, including in London and Manchester, and we act for clients nationwide. We appreciate that Ofsted often impose tight deadlines and we regularly prepare cases at very short notice. We also understand the needs and anxieties of our professional clients at risk of losing their registration and in some cases, their business and reputation.

We recognise that Ofsted enforcement action, and even inspections, can be a stressful and frustrating time and our experience allows us to provide clear and strategic advice at all stages.

Our experience

Our specialist team of lawyers have experience of advising registered providers in early years, childcare, education and social care sectors. We represent nurseries, childcare providers, children’s homes, schools, colleges, adoption and fostering agencies, and managers.

Our Ofsted lawyers regularly act for providers nationwide in relation to the following:

• Notices of intention/proposal and notices of decision to:
  • Cancel registration
  • Suspend registration
  • Vary, impose or remove a condition of registration
  • Refuse registration
• Appeals to the first-tier tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber)
• Emergency applications to the Magistrates Courts
• Welfare requirement notices/compliance notices
• Notices restricting accommodation
• Complaints against inspection reports and/or inspectors
• Interviews under caution
• Criminal investigations and prosecutions

Take a look at our Ofsted case studies and find out how we have helped childcare providers, education providers and social care providers in England and Wales to challenge Ofsted and helped them through proceedings before the first-tier tribunal.  

If you require Ofsted advice or support in relation to any of the above, you should seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible in order to protect your interests. For a confidential discussion with a member of our team, please contact us on 0161 696 6250 or complete our online enquiry form.