NCMA responds to EYFS review

NCMA has today responded to the consultation on the Review of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Members have expressed overwhelming support for maintaining the EYFS, outlining concerns that any move to a lighter touch framework would be detrimental for the childminding profession, sector and most importantly the development of children.

 

Catherine Farrell and Liz Bayram, Joint Chief Executives of the National Childminding Association, said "We welcomed the opportunity to reflect our members’ views and experiences in the review of the EYFS and we have been encouraging our members to respond themselves too. The overwhelming message from our members is that registered childminders want the framework to stay.

 

"Registered childminders welcome the opportunities the EYFS gives them to demonstrate their professionalism and operate on a level playing field with other childcare providers. Since the EYFS came in two years ago, the results from Ofsted’s latest inspections have shown a huge improvement in the quality of childcare, with 68 per cent achieving ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ grades.

 

"One issue for our members is that more clarity is needed on what is required in terms of paperwork. The lack of definition has meant that many registered childminders feel under too much pressure to produce lots of unnecessary paperwork. NCMA is seeking clarification on exactly what is expected. Recognition of different interpretations and evidence gathering, as well as ensuring consistency between inspectors, needs to be considered as part of the review of the EYFS."

 

You can find out more, including NCMA's full response, here.

 

Last updated: 12/21/2010