Whatever happened to that silly proposal to increase numbers for childminders and have nurseries oversee their inspections?

[Strix]

I think I've dropped the ball andnot kept up on this one. Can anyone provide me with an update. I thought it was just a proposal, but a friend recently told me it is happeneing.

I figured some collective mumsnet wisdom could bring me up to speed.

Thanks.

Agencies are happening, there are pilot schemes running.
No idea about change in ratio.

More info on Pennys blog

Ah... so it is done and dusted; and moving forward. Shame. For me (as a parent) it will do nothing to reduce my childcare bill. I'm not sure what it means for my childminder, or haow she feels about it. But I shall find out in the not too distant future.

However, if it reduces Ofsted (abuse of) power, then maybe it's not all bad. But I can't see it's going to bring down costs, improve quailty of care or generally bring anything useful to world of childcare. And it probably cost a lot of money.

Seems like a bad idea to me (except for the reduction of Ofsted involvement).

Ratios stayed the same as they used to be, but we can now grant our own variations for continuity of care.

Agencies will cost CMs a fortune probably and more likely to increase costs than decrease them.

Anyone know when it'll be introduced?
I'm quitting if they bring them in and increase fees for Ofsted.

Could someone shed some light on how a nursery will act as an agency when parents are looking for a childminder? As a parent who has employed nannies and au pairs, and used a few childminders over the years, I am not the least bit interested in having an agency installed between me and them. It is not helpful assistance, but an unecessary and unaffordable expense.

And will the nursery try to poach the custom? Why would they pass work on?

CMs won't have to join an agency yet. There are 2 options for agencies, they can act as agents for self employed CMS and the CMs carry on running their own business, but pay the agency a fee and let the agency organise their training opportunities, or the agency will employ the CMs and send them work, set their policies, wages, etc.

That's complete rubbish. I can't imagine parents will go to those agencies.

Please tell me childminders will also be permitted to carry on as they do now.

There are many, many childminders who would prefer to remain independent. At the moment this is still allowed. If everyone is forced to join an agency many childminders will leave the profession, including myself.

I agree runoutofideas. I like running my business my way.

Yes, and as a parent, I like talking to the person who is running the business.

I might be being a bit thick here, will it affect me?
I only have after schoolers....
anyone know?

Our local Family Information Service (Childrens' Information Service as it is known in some areas) have been looking at becoming an agency. They have sent out questionnaires to childminders to get views on things such as how much CM would be prepared to pay.

Our local authority tried those questionnaires and we all replied £0 so they're not planning to run an agency

HSMMaCM that's funny! I wonder what resposes our got, they haven't said yet.

Ive been talking some of the others Childminders in the village, they know nothing about agencies at all!

That's the trouble anewyear. If they keep it quiet, people won't object.