Hi,
I posted this in "Childminders":
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childminders_nannies_au_pairs_etc/1662273-sweeping-deregulation-of-nurseries-and-childminders
It's from the Times, Xenia posted it on the thread in site stuff about childcare tax breaks. (I am taking her word for it - can't read the Times directly)
Deregulation will "allow", that is, force, childminders to take on more children to make their wage. Standards will fall. At worst, accidents will happen; at best there will be a proliferation of sad, stressy childcare settings where children are just marking time till their parents come.
I have a great childminder, I know most CMs take their job very seriously and just want to do their best. I think the regulations are in everyone's interest.
I do wish childcare was cheaper and can barely afford it, but I don't want CMs to be paid less* because I can't see how they could be paid any less or do any more without standards falling unacceptably. I feel very strongly about this.
- (yes it can be subsidised, through significant tax breaks at the very least, it is manageable in other countries.)
What does everyone else think?