Simona
05-07-2013, 11:30 AM
This blog has been posted on Childcare Champions
Blog | Childcare Champions (http://www.childcarechampions.com/blog/)
I contacted them this morning and explained why some cms are still waiting to be told by their LA about the 2 year old funding and also whether they will allow us to draw funding for 3 and 4 year olds
The situation is not ideal and they have responded to support those like me who are still struggling with the LAs
Childcare Champions are very supportive of cms especially those who wish to remain independent...they are opposed to agencies as they were on ratios
it is worth looking at their website and find out who they are and what they do
This is their blog:
Many local authorities are struggling to find sufficient childcare places for two year olds while in lots of areas parents are having difficulty accessing free places for their three and four year olds.
Of course the answer to this dilemma could be childminders.
But Liz Truss, the Education Minister with responsibility for early years and childcare, and the Department of Education have made a gaffe.
The current code of practice which sets out the criteria for the administration of early years funding states that only childminders who are attached to a childminding network are eligible for the funding.
However, More Great Childcare proposes that all childminders, as long as they are graded good or outstanding by Ofsted, can deliver the early years offer.
Yet local authorities are dithering because the current funding is tied to the code of practice. Some are advising childminders that they cannot place two year olds with them or point three and four year olds in their direction because councils are bound by the code of practice.
What a shambles. How can childminders be expected to run their business in this way? It’s like saying to a retailer, keep your shop open and we may have customers for you in September but can’t guarantee anything.
Of course we also know More Great Childcare advocates childminder agencies. Are the delaying tactics just a ploy to get more childminders interested in joining an agency?
The situation needs to be sorted out immediately. Good and outstanding rated childminders could provide early years places and provide an alternative offer for parents but childminders must be advised sooner rather than later if they are to sustain their businesses. 5 July 2013 (end)
Blog | Childcare Champions (http://www.childcarechampions.com/blog/)
I contacted them this morning and explained why some cms are still waiting to be told by their LA about the 2 year old funding and also whether they will allow us to draw funding for 3 and 4 year olds
The situation is not ideal and they have responded to support those like me who are still struggling with the LAs
Childcare Champions are very supportive of cms especially those who wish to remain independent...they are opposed to agencies as they were on ratios
it is worth looking at their website and find out who they are and what they do
This is their blog:
Many local authorities are struggling to find sufficient childcare places for two year olds while in lots of areas parents are having difficulty accessing free places for their three and four year olds.
Of course the answer to this dilemma could be childminders.
But Liz Truss, the Education Minister with responsibility for early years and childcare, and the Department of Education have made a gaffe.
The current code of practice which sets out the criteria for the administration of early years funding states that only childminders who are attached to a childminding network are eligible for the funding.
However, More Great Childcare proposes that all childminders, as long as they are graded good or outstanding by Ofsted, can deliver the early years offer.
Yet local authorities are dithering because the current funding is tied to the code of practice. Some are advising childminders that they cannot place two year olds with them or point three and four year olds in their direction because councils are bound by the code of practice.
What a shambles. How can childminders be expected to run their business in this way? It’s like saying to a retailer, keep your shop open and we may have customers for you in September but can’t guarantee anything.
Of course we also know More Great Childcare advocates childminder agencies. Are the delaying tactics just a ploy to get more childminders interested in joining an agency?
The situation needs to be sorted out immediately. Good and outstanding rated childminders could provide early years places and provide an alternative offer for parents but childminders must be advised sooner rather than later if they are to sustain their businesses. 5 July 2013 (end)