petition against the early years foundation stage for childminder and anyone else that is concerned about this

[ubel1]

Childminders and all other childcare workers please fill in the petition against the EYFS.
As a childminder I am really worried about the effect of the eyfs on the children I look after and the extra workload for me. The website is openeyecampaign.wordpress.com/open-eye-petition/

Yes, you are mistaken MogsO.

I also work with an assistant who isn't a registered childminder, and we are allowed to care for up to 7 under 8's - of whom no more than 6 may be under 5(Early Years).

Today is the last day to sign.

im all for implementing the EYFS as an early years provider. However, childminding is still a low status job and unfortunately we do NOT get the same support as nurseries financially and tend to earn less money too....i recently tried to apply for funding for my business and was told that although some childminders in other areas have been able to access this funding, in my borough it was only available to daycare settings with 20 or more children!!! where is the universality in that then? if we are obliged to implement the eyfs fully like nurseries should we not be able to earn and access the same funding as them too then?? as a childminder i enjoy doing my job and have recently finished my foundation degree and am on last year of the BA in early childhood studies.....so am more then enough qualified...but what im wondering is does looking after children in your own home really necessitate you to be qualified? unfornately the days when a home away from home are numbered as you now have to ensure you are like a nursery too...but cheaper!!!

Stop worrying!
EYFS is fine and no harder than B23 in my opinion.
I got an overall Good with 6 areas classes as outstanding in my inspection on Dec 23rd and my inspector said the majority of cm's were doing really well and enjoying it. I have to agree.
Sally

I know that this is an old thread which has been resurrected, but I have to disagree about the EYFS being no harder than the B23 - we were not obliged to do written observations with the B23!

Or written risk assessments
Or written food hygiene records

I have been a childminder since before most of you were born and have seen all the changes and government initiatives over the years. I have also seen some appalling childminders as well as some fantastic ones. I remember the scandalous reports of the babyfarming in the 1960's and some horrendous child abuse cases involving supposed (and often unregistered) childcarers. I Thank God for the current regime of registration and inspection, that affords some protection for all our children.
I really believe that the EYFS is the culmination of years of research and development into finding a realistic and workable framework that delivers a holistic foundation to early learning. Those of you who are worried about the paperwork and record keeping are right to say it is more work- but once familiar with the materials, you will find it manageable and will see the benefits it brings.
Surveys done recently show that where the EYFS is being implemented fully, those working with it are delighted with it.

As a parent; I want to be able to choose. The problem as I see it with the EYFS isn't the package itself, but the statuatory nature of it.

I want to be able to choose a child carer for the CARE they deliver and not the education or early learning that they provide. Other parents will want more educational provision. And I would have no problem with the government only funding child carers who follow their recommended framework. But if a private nursery, or a 'private' childminder (I know, not exactly the right phrase) paid for completely by parents, who are happy with what they already offer, don't want to deliver it then why should they have to go through a ridiculously drawn out procedure to opt out.

anastaisia - hear hear!! I have harped on about having a choice about this before - the childminder should have a choice as to how he/she wants to work, and parents should have a choice as to what type of minder they want. Ofsted can still do inspections to ensure that the basics are still covered (health and safety, etc). If we want to be accredited childminders and do more of an "educational" service, then we can.

As a network childminder, I accept that I must adhere to whatever rules and regulations the network decides we should work to - that means that I do have to follow the EYFS big time. (It does not stop me moaning about it ).

However, it does not stop me thinking that doing a written observation of a 3 month old baby "doing something," photographing the "something," linking it to an area of learning and then devising plans on developing this further is absolutely mental.

Somehow I think some of you have missed the point - the EYFS Framework is far more than just delivering an education programme! The Statutory Framework document contains the legal Requirements that cover safeguarding, suitable people, suitable premises, organisation and documentation.
The four themes that underpin the whole EYFS are about delivering a service that meets the needs of each unique child, working in partnership with parents, providing a safe and enriching environment - these in place will deliver a sound learning and development foundation for every child.
The end products are the achievement of the Early Learning Goals - surely what we want for all our children?
How else is the quality or end product of the service we provide to be measured?

Who says that early learning goals decide on by the government are what we all want for our children though? And even if they are who says that the parents don't want to be the ones to teach them?

Personally I plan to home educate DD because I think we place far too much emphasis on early learning in this country anyway. She has lots of great experiences and plenty of opportunity to do new things. However I need care for a short time each week. I chose NOT to use a childminder, despite it being the type of care I'd like for DD, in favour of a nanny. SOLEY because I would prefer that for the short hours my DD is in someone else's care they are engaged with her, not thinking about what boxes an activity might tick. Or planning what they can do next to take it further and challenge her. I have no interest in the Early Learning Goals so long as DD is having fun and being kept safe.

And I think it's exceptionally stupid when I hear about childminders who pick children up from school or nurseries and are still supposed to offer the EYFS to those children while they are in their care too.