Proposed deregulation of childminders

It's this message, I feel, that we need to get out there. A lot of childminders aren't that worried about not having OFSTED to regulate them: it's only 12 years ago that we were regulated by Social Services.

A daycare nursery chain here is busily buying up the nurseries in Children's Centres: they already own one Children's Centre and are talking on their website about supporting childminders. That really concerns me.

Quite apart from the fact that a private nursery chain is benefiting so hugely from the masses of money that was used to set up the facilities at the Children's Centre for the community!

As a childminder I am wondering why the discusion is with N.C.M.A They are not the ruling body of childminders, although they would like to think to they are. I left the association a few years ago and on my last inspection even the ofsted inspector was impressed by the exceptional standard of my new insurer (she was aware of the company I am with but not of their range of support and rescorces).
N.C.M.A are pushed on to us by early years when we register, and no alternative given.
Perhaps if all were given all the facts and real choices parents could actually get the care they want for their children.
Parents choose childminders because they want family based child care, not nursery care, I have nothing against nurseries but it is not everyones choice, that is why we are here. Not to be an extension of a nursery.
Too many changes over too short a time. We have just got to grips with the last change, a new one in september now this.
Let us do what we do best and what we love to do, care for your children as you would yourself.
Happy children means happy parents, my job is done.

as a childminder i do not want to be regulated by an agency, we have worked hard to be accepted as professionals, i do not want a local nursery telling me which clients to accept. I worked as a nanny for 30 years and before that as an au-pair, they work in the parents home, do not have to be trained at the moment. Many nannies do have training but ofsted only requires first aid. childminders have to be trained and do ongoing training every year. If we were deregulated many childminders would stop working. Anyone I have talked to has said they would open up nurseries or go on the dole. Please support us and your childs development by signing the petition.

Until all of the local nurseries have "outstanding", I don't want them telling me anything about how to run a successful childcare business.

Surely if nurseries are going to inspect childminders, the nursery nurses themselves should have decent qualifications, training and experience. Never yet met a Nanny MCPhee, Mary Poppins type so mine never went, horrible places. Can you believe that young people are encouraged to take childcare at school and college when they are not capable of taking academic quals. I have friends who teach childcare.

direct link

yeah it worked, very proud of my none computer skills!

use the link from Italiana above you :)

I have signed and also took the time to do the NCMA survey. I for one want things to stay as they are! All my parents use vouchers and I take pride in my grade!

My excuse is illness rather than complete disinterest, you understand

I do :)
Sorry - ill in bed with high temp

Is anyone else alarmed at how poorly informed Sir Richard appears to be?

He's head of OFSTED. All he needs to do is read his own organisations documents to know how many childminders achieved good or outstanding since EYFS was introduced (so we're actually coping fine); and that all new childminders are inspected, not an inspection necessary every time we take on a new child.

He doesn't appear to know his actual from his proverbial, does he?

I completely agree maples, but he MP's proposals sound like more/different regulation than less.

Found a Dutch childminders own website should anyone fancy a look. Planning & Rates page is worth a look... seems that this particular childminder cares for 4 children and does not work at all on a Wednesday. $5 Euro an hour.

It would be interesting to know how much the administration of the Dutch system costs - and who pays - in comparison with the current ofsted arrangements here.

I don't see how the new agencies would provide oversight or prevent fraud, it is not explained.

They would clearly cost money and it seems to be proposed that parents / childminders pay.

Has anyone taken a look at one of the Dutch agencies? The one mentioned in the Affordable Quality document is mrnosey.nl (link will attempt translation to English)

Lafata, the think tank piece does suggest that, and that these people would not have to be part of the agencies, but wouldn't be allowed to accept the (changed) vouchers.

The vouchers have already been frozen / removed for many.

I would be aggrieved at any changes that increased regulation or expenses for carers and / or parents.

In the Addorsable Quality document, it says

This agency oversight is important to ensure quality and protect against 
fraud where government funding is  being used. At the same time it should 
be made easier for parents to use their own money on effective informal 
arrangements.  If parents wish to pay neighbours or friends using their own 
money they should not be barred from doing so as they are at present (if that 
individual is not Ofsted registered).  
The UK should follow arrangements in places like Ontario where childminders 
looking after fewer than five children ? ?independent? family daycare ? are 
unregulated but unable to receive state subsidies. However, to ensure 
the child?s safety anyone being paid to look after children should undergo a 
Criminal Records Bureau check.

~~~ End Quote ~~~

So yes LaFataTurchina it may mean that a friend can be paid - but not using government funding.

Will the deregulation mean that you can now pay say a family friend/neighbour etc. to look after your children regularly without it being illegal?

Because, that I think would be a good thing for most people.

However, I can see that it would make things difficult from a safeguarding perspective. Hmm...