Minimum Standards for Childcare in Wales under review
There has been a lot of change in the childcare sector in Wales
over the last few years and, as a result, the Welsh Assembly
Government is currently consulting on potential changes to the
National Minimum Standards for childcare – including
childminding.
Outcomes from the consultation are likely to result in changes
to the National Minimum Standards for Childminding in Wales and so
this is a major opportunity for childminders, nannies and parents
to have their say on the current national standards.
NCMA will be making a formal response to the consultation and
will post it on the website as soon as it has been submitted.
You can find the consultation document – and details of how to
respond – at http://www.childcarecymru.co.uk/.
The consultation closes on 6 February 2009.
As well as a general request for comments on the current
National Minimum Standards, the consultation includes questions
on:
- the recognition of some types of childcarer that don’t
currently have to be registered, for example, those only caring for
children aged 8-14, nanny agencies and, potentially, children’s
relatives.
- whether the current qualification requirements are
appropriate
- whether to remove the current requirement for potential
childcarers who aren’t required to obtain planning consent to prove
that they don’t need consent. This particularly affects
childminders as it is unusual for childminders to need
consent.
- how the National Minimum Standards be revised to take account
of the Foundation Phase and how best to inspect settings offering
early education.
- risk assessments.
Information days are being held by the Welsh Assembly Government
on the following dates:
January 13, 2009 10am and 1.30pm Cardiff City Hall, Cardiff
January 14, 2009 10am and 1.30pm Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea
January 19, 2009 10am and 1.30pm The Pavillion, Llandrindod
Wells