Elizabeth Truss, Early Years Minister

[stomp]

oh dear
knew she was pushing for a position :(

We had enough signs and were warned about her views...obviously they appeal to Cameron and his future plans for childcare

Now we resume our fight which so many have ignored so far....

Amazed at the little interest that Truss promotion has created in this forum...maybe people think she is not going to do anything to change the childminding workforce !
Troubled times ahead I am sure of that

Sorry Italiana, I lurk more than I post, but I think your right 'troubled times ahead'

I think a lot of parents think it'll reduce their costs. They haven't considered the more likely scenario that a percentage cut will be passed on to them via higher fees. Is 10% still being considered?

As for childminders, after OFSTED's comments over the last few months, a lot of them would be glad to see the back of them. They think deregulation will achieve this without realising that an agency could increase inspections and expect them to conform to their way of doing things.

It's very, very difficult to see how this is going to affect us without clear proposals. At the moment, nothing seems to have been confirmed and I think that's probably a quite deliberate ploy.

www.change.org/en-GB/​petitions/​uk-government-reject-proposals-​to-deregulate-childminders

First let me correct my mistake...Truss is Under Secretary in charge of early years. She is not a Minister.
Today her responsibilities have been published on the DfE website

www.education.gov.uk/.../ministerialteam
Today I also had a meeting at the DfE and discussed Childcare Commission, EYFS, deregulation and also 'unnecessary red tape' that could help save money to us and DfE
The meeting was very constructive and I was listened to...please send your views in !!!

I was informed Truss will be making proposals on deregulation and her precious agency model
I have argued that agency will increase costs not decrease them

Parents are complaining childcare is expensive but also report to DfE they want high quality....
Not once did I hear anything what is good for our children!

We must now act and ask for an open dialogue with Truss and DfE...you know I met her in August and I also know she is asking for ideas as is the DfE

Deregulation is purely a cost cutting exercise and there are ways to save money...I have given them plenty
I feel that by the time she sets up her agency she will have few c/ms willing to join because the vast majority will have left the profession

If you are a c/m please attend the NCMA Greater London forum coming up in all areas where deregulation is on the agenda
on Facebook you can join a group of c/ms against it...please act now!

Italiana, do you know the NCMA's stance on this? The title of the agenda item "Threat or Opportunity?" is causing me some misgivings!

Yes Tanith I have huge problems with that too !!! and voice them to NCMA regularly
It is the topic discussed at the regional forums and it would be good for c/ms to make an effort to attend and voice their concerns...very loud and clear!!!

To me a huge threat... to some opportuntiy as they think less paperwork ...an agency, if that is what we will have, will produce loads for our evidence ...no inspections ...wrong as under an agency they will be random...ie: settings chosen to be inspected alongside the agency

Nothing is written down yet as we await Truss' ideas...we will have to wait and see until then (won't be too long now) !!!