A colleague has asked me to post the following for non NCMA and NCMA members.
We NEED to get our voice heard by our representative body. We can't do that unless we TELL them:
would like to ask all Childminders who are not NCMA members for their help in a very important issue.
Penny Webb, a NCMA member and volunteer is conducting some research into why some childminders are not members of NCMA because if NCMA is going to continue to grow as a childminder led organisation it needs to meet the needs of more childminders. Therefore your views on why you are not an NCMA member will be very important in informing NCMA about what they need to do increase membership. Penny has produced a questionnaire and if you private message me I (Vicky R) will pass on Penny's email address (with her permission) so you can contact her directly. The results of the questionnaire will be passed on to the chair of NCMA on 18th November - so time is short. All responses will be confidential. Thank you.
Now the bit for NCMA members:-
Would like to inform NCMA members that NCMA are currently consulting their members on two very important issues that will impact on members and may change NCMA. The issues being consulted on are 'Proffesional Occupational Standards' which once implemented will be used to ensure all members abide by these standards - therefore EVERY NCMA members should have input in this consultation so NCMA are informed about what should and what should not be included in these Professional Occupational Standards. The second issue under consultation is if NCMA should widen membership to include other sectors of the childcare profession - such as Foster Carers. It is VERY important that NCMA members express their views and this can be achieved by:-
- logging on to your 'MY NCMA' page and following the links to take part in expressing your views.
- attending your Regional Forum being held in January or February when both these issues will be discussed and further information will be given from NCMA,
- by completing a questionnaire that Penny Webb has produced to gather members views. All responses will remain confidential but the information will be passed direct to Sue Davis who is visiting Penny's setting on 18th November. Time is short - so please private message me today and I will pass on Penny's email address (with her permission) so you can contact her directly to ask for the questionnaire to be sent to you.
Please pass on to childminders you know - the future of NCMA is in members hands - but we ALL need to respond - otherwise decisions will be made by others - and they may or may not have the same view as you. Thank you.
or you can find further info on www.childmindingforum.co.uk as well