Ed Balls visits childminders
Ed Balls MP acknowledges the vital role of childminders and
nannies
MP
for Morley and Outwood and Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls,
acknowledged the vital role of childminders when he met a group of
them at the Sure Start centre in Morley on Friday 10 February.
The visit was organised by NCMA to demonstrate how registered
childminders support the wellbeing and development of the children
they care for.
Linda Holmes, a local childminder and NCMA member who was
involved in organising the event said, "Childminders often don’t
get the recognition they deserve for the important job that they
do.
"Like all early years' workers, childminders deliver the Early
Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and are inspected by
Ofsted. We are highly committed professionals, ensuring that the
children we look after achieve their full potential under the EYFS.
We do this through a wide range of activities and experiences, both
in and out of the home and undertake training and other
professional development to do this to a high standard.
"This is what we wanted Ed Balls to appreciate and to see that
it is essential that local authorities continue to invest in the
ongoing training and support for all registered providers, which
they have a statutory duty to do."
Mr Balls spent time talking to childminders and listened to
their concerns. He also enjoyed spending time with the children and
helping them with their activities.
He said: "The fantastic childminders I met on Friday told me how
much they love what they do, stressing how great it is to have a
job where no two days are the same.
"But they said it can be a lonely job too, making local
children’s centres, like our fantastic one at Seven Hills Primary
School, an essential lifeline.
"The childminding profession has changed a lot. Most now hold
professional childcare qualifications and all are inspected just
like nurseries and schools. They also follow official guidance on
child development in early years. The National Childminding
Association is there to provide advice and support for childminders
on everything, from getting set up in the first place, to going
through their Ofsted inspection."
NCMA chair, Sue
Davis (pictured right, with Ed Balls), who attended the event said,
"NCMA has been working tirelessly on behalf of its members to gain
recognition for their professionalism as part of the broader early
years' sector. This is demonstrated by the majority of childminders
achieving good and outstanding grades at their Ofsted inspection;
their delivery of EYFS and their willingness to work in partnership
with parents and the other professionals supporting a child’s
development. The parents and carers who place their children in the
care of NCMA registered childminders know that this care will
support their children to flourish.
"Their role needs to be recognised as equal to any other early
years’ worker and we are pleased that Ed Balls acknowledged this in
his visit today."
Page last updated:
2/16/2012