Proposed deregulation of childminders

[Italiana]

The Department for Education and Ofsted are in discussion with the National Childminding Asociation (NCMA) about the proposal to 'deregulate' c/ms. This may lead to c/ms falling under the umbrella of an agency and losing the right to be individually inspected by ofsted. C/ms are very worried about issues of safeguarding and quality of care.
This has been reported in the media by the Daily Mail and The Guardian last week.

C/ms have started a campaign led by the NCMA against deregulation: 'Individual Inspections Matter' which can be found on their website www.ncma.org.uk. A survey of c/ms has found out that 85% want to remain regulated and equally recognized along other providers. C/ms in each area are campaigning many with petitions and approaching their local MP

The report doesn't seem evidence-based in terms of arguments in favour of the proposed organisational arrangements, but the figure that the number of CMs has dropped by half since 1996 is striking.

Thanks for the links.

See that they are arguing that it should no longer be illegal to mind friends' children for money without registering, really like that idea. Like others, not convinced by the agency model, especially if it'd mean nurseries overseeing CMs and parents (rather than taxpayers via Ofsted) footing the bill for the agencies, or additional regulation. IMO less regulation is needed, this sounds like more.

It's an MP / think tank proposal, so nothing confirmed at all, will be interesting to see any DfE proposals.

The other thing that occurred to me is whether or not nannies will find themselves being part of the same inspection agencies. They seem very keen at the moment to bring nannies and childminders closer together.
I do hope I'm over thinking this..,

If the govt stopped c/vouchers they would commit political suicide!!!...I have not read so far that vouchers are in doubt..even Truss must know not to touch those!!!
What is the point of giving £100 vounchers for parenting classes and take away £243 each month towards the cost of childcare?
Today the campaign has broadened because the media are picking up this issue...more to come and we intend to make a lot of noise!

Tanith - I agree that it could mean that nannies and childminders are brought closer together, though how would they do it? Could they create legislation that means all nannies have to register? Would parents want outside agencies/organisations coming into their home to tell their employee what to do?

For anyone who needs the links:

CentreForum: Affordable Qualify (pdf) by Elizabeth Truss, May 2012

CentreForum Press Release (html) 21 May 2012

From the press release:

A structure based on academies and agencies could mean a single childcare support payment for parents - replacing childcare tax credit, nursery vouchers and employer vouchers - so there would be less administration and leakage in the system.
~~~ End Quote ~~~
(wish we had the quote facility that MumsnetHQ can do)

So there is some mention of replacing childcare vouchers.

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...

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

Do you mean Sir Michael Wilshaw? he is the Ofsted Chief Inspector and very close to Michael Gove, the education Minister!

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

My excuse is illness rather than complete disinterest, you understand

I have posted the link to the e-petition to reject the proposal to deregulate c/ms in another post.
Here it is for those who wish to sign up

www.change.org/petitions/uk-government-reject-proposals-to-deregulate-childminders
Thank you

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!

direct link

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

Thank you for signing the petition...please please forward the link to your friends, parents of children you care for, on Facebook, Twitter, school teachers, anyone you can think of...!!!