On another thread it was suggested that I put together a e petition (and Sarah - so Sarah if reading - not excluding - just got so cross with news thois morning that got on with it)
So here is the first draft
I want to submit it by lunch time - so comments asap please
We urge the Government to undertake full and current research into all aspects of registered childminding and to consult with experts in the field, national representative organisations and most importantly those who are practising registered childminders, before deciding on the future regulation and inspection requirements of childminders.
We understand the Government’s desire to cut childcare costs for parents and need to reduce Government budgets, however as registered childminders are an integral part of the childcare market providing professional, home based childcare that meets the needs of parents, providing more flexible hours, the ability for siblings to all ages to be cared for together, care from birth to teenage years ensuring continuity of care, and lower ratios that centre based care.
Registered childminders follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and all other legal requirements the same as other Early Years settings to ensure the children in our care receive high quality care and education, which is regulated and inspected.
Over many years there has been continued progress made to ensure all children have opportunity to experience high quality care and education, and to be safeguarded from harm through childcare that is regulated, inspected.
Therefore before reaching any decision which will impact on parent’s choice of regulated childcare, children’s equality of opportunities and childminders businesses is made, the government must ensure that this is a step forward with positive benefits to all but especially for the children because opportunities to reach their full potential, once missed are hard if not impossible to recreate and failure to safeguard a child can never be reversed.
Penny
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