I have just sent the following email to childcare.co.uk, Morton Michel and Noble Minder...
Hi
As I am sure you have been informed by other members, the status of childminders appears to be under threat at the moment from sections of government who think it is a good idea to make sweeping changes to the ways we operate our businesses.
These changes might include future deregulation from Ofsted control, taking away our right to individual inspections, having us managed by agencies (which could possibly be our competition eg local nurseries), removing our self employed status, having our incomes decided by others who might force us to work for less money than previously, allowing higher ratios (which would surely be a safeguarding concern) and much more.
We also risk losing the status of equals to nurseries and pre-schools that many of us have spent decades fighting to promote through better training, complying with the EYFS, welcoming Ofsted regulation and inspections etc.
There are a number of campaigns currently being promoted across the early years sector to protect childminder businesses and long term sustainability including a petition here -
http://www.*****/petitions/uk-g...e-childminders which is receiving global support.
I would like to ask how your company feels it can get involved to support childminders through this difficult time.
Maybe support could be offered via an advertising campaign to inform members of the situation, emails informing members of the potential ramifications of deregulation so they can make up their own minds, promotion of the petition website address to members, newsletter or blog coverage etc.
Would you, as an organisation which has thousands of childminder members, be willing to speak to MPs at government level and lobby on behalf of those childminders who are concerned about losing their regulatory status?
Any other ideas you have for supporting the campaign would be very welcome.
Thank you, etc
I will let you know when I receive replies. I hope they are positive and supportive
If anyone has any ideas of other companies I might approach now it is written please let me know
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