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NCMA has today responded to the Consultation on the Schools
Forums (England) Regulations 2009. The consultation mainly
focused on academies but NCMA has responded to one part which is
relevant for childminders.
The proposed changes to the regulations include making it
compulsory to include early years providers in the membership of
the forums, and asks for opinions on making the representation of
early years providers more effective – particularly in view of the
introduction of the early years single funding formula from
2010/11.
www.teachernet.gov.uk/schoolfundingframework/
NCMA's response that has been submitted is as follows:
Part 2:
1. Would adding an obligation to the functions of
schools forums that includes a requirement to have regard to the
provision needed to support the LA’s duties of securing sufficiency
of places and improving outcomes for early years improve the
strength of early years representation on the schools forum?
The National Childminding Association (NCMA) would welcome any
additional obligations that ensure school forums reflect LAs duties
of sufficiency and outcomes to support early years
locally. In particular strengthened relationships will
help to develop partnerships for integrated working between schools
and early years providers which is vital as part of the EYFS.
In addition this will give early years providers a voice on the
school forums to ensure funding for the free entitlement is
distributed fairly between all appropriate providers, whilst
assisting LAs in meeting their duties from the Childcare Act and
the forthcoming early years single funding formula.
2. Do you have other suggestions that would meet the
aim of ensuring that all early years’ providers are appropriately
funded?
NCMA would welcome systems working through the school forums to
ensure that the early years providers are aware of all
consultations locally and there is a fair system in place to ensure
that those delivering the free entitlement are able to claim a
sustainable amount of funding per hour.
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