Meeting Dame Clare Tickell today OMG

[ChildrenAtHeart]

I volunteered months ago to meet with other cm's and reps from DFE to take part in the EYFS consultation. Heard nothing more till a few days ago but the meeting is today (& I should be in bed now!) at the DFE headquarters. I assumed it would be with a few minor clerks but its with Dame Clare Tickell & various other bigwigs - very intimidating. Wish me luck folks!

Good Luck!

have you read this?

Best of luck! You'll be fine, but it's very nerve-wracking pre-meeting, I know.

DH's aunt once won the Lifetime Achievement award from EYE and I panic every time she announces a visit, even though she's very nice.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to tell us all about it

Thanks LoveMyGirls - had missed that one entirely!
It was actually quite laid back and much less scarey than it might have been
The agenda was very specific & we spent an hour just writing stuff on post-its but where we did talk & share there was a lot of commonsense being spoken. Dame Clare came across as very sensible & on board - she talked about the obvious need for less red tape & paperwork and would be making some clear statements about Ofsted consistency & the unique service offered by Childminders. The consensus was support for a slimmed down EYFS that recognises that we are not & should not be mini nurseries. Overall a very positive experience I think.

Hi ChildrenatHeart thanks for the update. Glad you found the experience useful and how exciting to be involved. Was any indication given as to when the outcome of the consultation will be published? (don't want to be completing paperwork that will become useless!)

PS hurrah for less red tape and paperwork!

Not sure how much direct input we will have had though she has had a previous meeting with childminders & visited some. I got the impression our main purpose was to affirm what she had already heard & clarify a few points but she praised us for articulating our arguments well and adding to her perspective. She actually told us off in a way for giving her so much good material as the review is due to be published 31 March. Any changes won't be effective till September though & Dame Clare did point out that the Govt weren't in any way obliged to take any notice of her recommendations!

Ok thanks CAH will bear that in mind.

Sorry, meant to say - new version, whatever (or if) will not be till Sept 12 so will need to comply with existing criteria till then