Influence government policy

NCMA Policy Team (04/01/10)

 

Have your say on a proposal to exempt childcare between friends from Ofsted registration.

 

This is your chance to influence government policy.

 

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is consulting on a proposal to exempt from Ofsted registration childcare between friends that is not for monetary payment.

 

This would allow parents to make reciprocal childcare arrangements with friends and also to provide childcare for friends in return for any other goods or services, without the provider of the childcare having to register with Ofsted as a childminder, provided that no money changed hands.  

 

This consultation comes as a result of the high profile media coverage in 2009 about the childcare arrangements between two friends.

 

NCMA is concerned about the proposal and the potential impact and will be issuing a robust response to this consultation. 
 
It is our view that proportionate regulation of childcare practice is not only an important part of safeguarding children, but for registered childminders it plays a significant role in demonstrating to parents that the setting and practice is of good quality. It is crucial that wider registration and regulation is not undermined and the professionalism of childminding is maintained.
 
There is a risk this proposal will undermine childminders' efforts to sustain their businesses and disadvantage parents who would not be able to access support for meeting childcare costs.

 

The consultation is open to anyone and we would encourage NCMA members and parents to respond to ensure the views of the childminding sector are well represented. The deadline for responses is 31st January. The link to the consultation is below. 

 

Don't miss this chance to have your views heard. Visit the consultation webpage (external website).

 

If you decide to contribute to the consultation we would be interested in receiving a copy of your submission. Please contact Tim Farrow in the External Relations team at NCMA by emailing tim.farrow@ncma.org.uk or calling 020 8290 2429.