Improving picture in Wales
10 December 2009
The National Childminding Association (NCMA) has welcomed the
recent 2008/09 Annual Report of the Care and Social Services
Inspectorate Wales.
The report found that registered childminders make up 54 per
cent of all registered childcare services in Wales. The findings
show that all childminders have child protection policies in place
and levels of training qualifications have increased. The report
also found that the number of registered childminders has remained
largely consistent over the last year, though childminders are
providing more childcare places than last year.
Catrin Fletcher, Director for NCMA Wales said:
"We welcome this report as it highlights the progress being made
by registered childminders across Wales. The report paints a
positive picture of a sector that is working hard to ensure
children and families are receiving the best childcare service
possible. Almost all childminders are meeting the new statutory
requirements and have systems in place to review the quality of
care they provide. The overwhelming majority are also meeting the
suitability requirements and have the appropriate skills,
competence and training to provide a high quality, flexible
childcare option for parents."
Among other findings three key points were:
- There are 2,427 registered childminders in Wales providing
12,137 places, an increase of 104 places
- All registered childminders have a child protection policy in
place and have showed continued year on year improvement
- 97 per cent of childminders have implemented new requirements
for robust complaints procedures and these procedures are
continuing to improve by taking into account the wishes and
feelings of the child.
Catrin Fletcher continued:
"The report does highlight a need for a minority of childminders
to improve their risk assessment and management and NCMA will
continue to work with those childminders to help them to improve.
The noted significant improvement in this area is good news, but
there is never any room for complacency when providing the best
possible service for the families who choose registered
childminders for their child’s education and care."