Question Time: Representative Body

[Pipsqueak]

Everys so often we all have a good debate about NCMA V MM and their respective merits......

So;
what is it EXACTLY we want from a Childminders Representative Body
What are your expections and needs/requirements

membership and insurance wise....

Why do you /don't you like what you are getting/the options at the moment

Tell me your 'ideal' representative body........

[loocyloo]

some who actually understands WHAT a childminder is and what a childminder does!

someone who listens to what we say and tries to help US.

reasonably priced insurance

and if we use 'their' contracts etc, covered/supported by a legal team for contract disputes, as well as support for other matters such as unfounded complaints, suspensions etc.

[jumping j]

some one who can 'stick up' for childminders, what we do and our professionalism

[sarah707]

People who really understand what childminders do and how vulnerable we are working alone... especially to malicious complaints.

Someone who will take on Ofsted on our behalf when they get things wrong eg say the wrong things during inspections or insist on things that are not requirements... like socket covers or dual language signs (just 2 recent examples).

Someone who will support childminders properly - not back off at the slightest prod. Look at the work Penny has done to sort out the PLA music licensing issue... without her we'd probably all be paying. But she shouldn't have had to do that! Not really...

Someone who can work through Ofsted wording and make sense of it - oh wait that's usually me! :laughing:

:D

[Pipsqueak]

People who really understand what childminders do and how vulnerable we are working alone... especially to malicious complaints.

Someone who will take on Ofsted on our behalf when they get things wrong eg say the wrong things during inspections or insist on things that are not requirements... like socket covers or dual language signs (just 2 recent examples).

Someone who will support childminders properly - not back off at the slightest prod. Look at the work Penny has done to sort out the PLA music licensing issue... without her we'd probably all be paying. But she shouldn't have had to do that! Not really...

Someone who can work through Ofsted wording and make sense of it - oh wait that's usually me! :laughing:

:D

lol Sarah.... Sarah for Prime Minster:clapping:

[Pipsqueak]

c'mon peeps this has been on here for 3 hrs now.....


Even if you are a newbie.. what would you/do you expect from a Representative Body

[wendywu]

Someone who does not always back the parent in a dispute. Who gives sound legal advice and would be willing to pen a letter to parents ( a legal letter does wonders ) on our behalf.

[The Juggler]

sorry, only just got back on - just finished work!

1. A Helpline

someone who knows about childminding at the end of a helpline (not just someone who answers phones and knows jack **&)

that helpline would have specialists in supporting you with

nonpaying parents
sensitive issues
malicious complaints
ss ofsted investigations against you
suspensions
help with preparing for your inspections if you ring and ask

2. A body that will notify all it's members by e-mail or post when there are major changes or consultations to participate in so you don't need to go checking a website daily just to see if there is anything new.

3. A body that will check out and make a decision on things like PPL and ICO and advise it's members accordingly

4. An insurance policy that is reasonable (not cheap) but that will ensure like MM do, it will chase money or reimburse regardless of the amount, will allow you to stop care if parents have not paid for care to date and will back us not the parents if we are in the right.

I'm sure I'll be back with more.........

[mrstom]

Someone who is out there always working on cm's behalf to be recognised as professionals and who has our best interests at heart

Actually getting their voices heard - putting out press releases, being seen to be proactive (a bit like the marketing dept of my old company!)

Before deciding to become a cm I had no idea the professionalism and hard work involved. To my shame I'd pegged the role as being on par with a check-out operator! It's that type of prejudice that needs addressing. The general public need informing just what it is we do - lots of trumpets need blowing! Perhaps then we may also get the professional recognition from other childcare providers?

I'm a very new newbie so I'm still seeing things on the outside looking in (from the 'general public' view so to speak)

[Pipsqueak]

I'm a very new newbie so I'm still seeing things on the outside looking in (from the 'general public' view so to speak)

and as a newbie your still 'fresh' view is just as valid and important and perhaps can provide a less tainted view as some of us jaded oldies lol!

[The Juggler]

Someone who is out there always working on cm's behalf to be recognised as professionals and who has our best interests at heart

Actually getting their voices heard - putting out press releases, being seen to be proactive (a bit like the marketing dept of my old company!)

Before deciding to become a cm I had no idea the professionalism and hard work involved. To my shame I'd pegged the role as being on par with a check-out operator! It's that type of prejudice that needs addressing. The general public need informing just what it is we do - lots of trumpets need blowing! Perhaps then we may also get the professional recognition from other childcare providers?

I'm a very new newbie so I'm still seeing things on the outside looking in (from the 'general public' view so to speak)

i agree, especially when needing to rubbish reports that CM's are too expensive (compared to what private nurseries - I don't think so :panic:), reading newreports which are incorrect and correcting them, not waiting for a cm to call and ask for this to be dealt with and shouting about CM'ing successes and success stories:)

[desiderata]

Hi I agree with most of the above whoever it is has to be there for us !

As said we are a very vunerable part of society , most of us have had malicious complaints made and its dam hard work proving these things on your own.

People who will listen to us and back in non paying parents

I think Penny and Sarah should join forces and form something ( dont shoot me ) but you two do seem to know where we are coming from more so than the organisations we are paying at the moment.

[Penny1959]

I want someone who is as passionate as I am about childminding, someone who understands about the real issues that effect childminders day in and day out - and those than we hope won't happen but do.

I want someone who will stand on their soap box next to me on mine and who is prepared to shout very loudly.

I want someone who will act quickly and not take ages to do a press releaseI

Find this person and think people like me and Sarah - and others - will be very interested in working with this person (or company or group of like minded people).

Penny :)

[Penny1959]

Hi I agree with most of the above whoever it is has to be there for us !

As said we are a very vunerable part of society , most of us have had malicious complaints made and its dam hard work proving these things on your own.

People who will listen to us and back in non paying parents

I think Penny and Sarah should join forces and form something ( dont shoot me ) but you two do seem to know where we are coming from more so than the organisations we are paying at the moment.

Well there is an idea - you up for it Sarah? :D

Penny :)

[Pipsqueak]

I want someone who is as passionate as I am about childminding, someone who understands about the real issues that effect childminders day in and day out - and those than we hope won't happen but do.

I want someone who will stand on their soap box next to me on mine and who is prepared to shout very loudly.

I want someone who will act quickly and not take ages to do a press releaseI

Find this person and think people like me and Sarah - and others - will be very interested in working with this person (or company or group of like minded people).

Penny :)

Dragging my soap box out......

[Playmate]

Dragging my soap box out......

As soon as my degree is finished in June, my soap box will also be dragged out and given a good rubbing down with an oil rag :D

[PixiePetal]

All of the above!

I get more from the forum than anywhere else - notice of paperwork updates like the parent poster - found it here first, change of Ofsted address/phone - got that here too :rolleyes:

people who know how vulnerable we can be against complaints of all sorts and will stand side by side with us to get us through hard times.

someone who speaks real English for me - not jargon and long words - Oh, that's Sarah!!:D:thumbsup:

[Penny1959]

Ok - so I count me, Pipsqueak and Playmate on our soap boxes- making an assumption that Sarah will be on hers - girls we might as a team actually be able to 'do' something to help ourselves and all registered childminders.

Anyone else with us?

But don't forget Pipsqueaks original question - what do you what from a representative body?

Penny :)

[singingcactus]

I would like a representative who is sensible, calm and reasonable. One who will argue the corner for the childminder without going on the attack all the time causing us all to look like a bunch of ill informed, angry, harpies in the process. I would like a representative who takes the times to fully research any points they plan on raising with the relevant people before jumping in with both feet - and eyes shut. I would like a representative who is intelligent, and aware of how much our image depends upon their actions. I would like a representative who understands the concept of letting sleeping dogs lie, and not kicking up a fuss over something that no one has yet considered inflicting upon us.
I do not need my representative to provide me with insurance, or even training, but it would be nice if they were able to sign post us to the relevant companies/sites/bodies etc. I do not need my representative to obtain discounts on my behalf, however a forum/blog/enoticeboard where members could inform each other of offers and deals would be a bonus (except there is already here). A SMALL forum would also be a good and useful communication tool, I do mean small, not as many rooms as this forum, just the necessities.
I would like my representative to enjoy their role and be passionate about it, and when the passion wanes to have the courage to pass on the torch to the next passionate person, without any worries about letting down childminders, cos they would not have.

[breezy]

An organisation that cares about us and our proffession and cares enough to fight for us in all the small individual issues and big political issues and everything inbetween.
Someone who will take on Ofsted and translate for us!
Someone who will keep us up to date with things and recognise the support we need both as individuals and a group.

[rickysmiths]

People who really understand what childminders do and how vulnerable we are working alone... especially to malicious complaints.

Someone who will take on Ofsted on our behalf when they get things wrong eg say the wrong things during inspections or insist on things that are not requirements... like socket covers or dual language signs (just 2 recent examples).

Someone who will support childminders properly - not back off at the slightest prod. Look at the work Penny has done to sort out the PLA music licensing issue... without her we'd probably all be paying. But she shouldn't have had to do that! Not really...

Someone who can work through Ofsted wording and make sense of it - oh wait that's usually me! :laughing:

:D

Hear Hear Sarah.

[The Juggler]

As soon as my degree is finished in June, my soap box will also be dragged out and given a good rubbing down with an oil rag :D

mine too! i can shout loud when it's needed plus I love a good battle. :clapping:

[flowerpots]

All of the above mentioned plus someone at the end of the phon/e-mail to talk to about issues without getting scripted answers back, i want to talk to a human when i need help. :o

[winstonian]

Someone who can answer questions and offer help when needed.
Who understands the many roles a childminder has and the range of age groups we are caring for.
Who is willing to support and defend us when needed.
Who provides the information about changes that we need to know.
I would be happy to support an organisation that could offer this.
I am still a Newbie - only 2 years in and am with NCMA but so many posts on here do make me wonder if its worth it?

[Suebb1]

I can only add after reading through each and everyones posts on this I heartily agree with most -we need passionate and knowledgable childminders who will 'fight' our corner.Think this is the only way forward now x

[Pipsqueak]

But don't forget Pipsqueaks original question - what do you what from a representative body?

Penny :)

There are some very interesting responses here

Keep them coming people.... all of you - newbies to the long standing people

WHAT do you need from your representative body?
What do you like/dislike about the current representative body?

[sarah707]

Soap box out... always here to help and support...

It's interesting reading through the thread Pips - it's all about support isn't it?

Someone to be there to answer questions, pass on information, find things out... big asks but I'm sure a team of people could do all those things with the right money / professional base / company or whatever behind them.

I'll watch developments with interest :D

[Carol M]

I want
A body who knows what childminding is all about, understands the uniqueness of each and every one of us and is prepared to support each and everyone of us.
One that tackles head on issues that arise with all the governing bodies and acts immediately.
Communicates effectively
Listens
Debates
Rallies all members and is transparent.
This fantastic forum shows it can be done as we all have a voice, new childminders or more experienced.
One that shouts long and hard so as we will be recognised as professional childcarers.
One that "gets us out there".
Carol xx

[Rosy Days]

I want
A body who knows what childminding is all about, understands the uniqueness of each and every one of us and is prepared to support each and everyone of us.
One that tackles head on issues that arise with all the governing bodies and acts immediately.
Communicates effectively
Listens
Debates
Rallies all members and is transparent.
This fantastic forum shows it can be done as we all have a voice, new childminders or more experienced.
One that shouts long and hard so as we will be recognised as professional childcarers.
One that "gets us out there".
Carol xx

Agree with all the above especially, 'shouts long and hard so we will be recognised as professional childcarers'. :)

[sillybeans]

I want all that's been mentioned before but also;

A body that helps newbies understand all that is required, understand 'best practice', provide support in navigating what all the various bodies want from us (ofsted, food agency etc)

There was soo much I didn't know I needed to have in place until I found this forum! I feel like my initial LA training was absolutely rubbish now I have been coming on here for 6 months

[The Juggler]

I want all that's been mentioned before but also;

A body that helps newbies understand all that is required, understand 'best practice', provide support in navigating what all the various bodies want from us (ofsted, food agency etc)

There was soo much I didn't know I needed to have in place until I found this forum! I feel like my initial LA training was absolutely rubbish now I have been coming on here for 6 months

that's so interesting you say that hon. i'm support childmidner for our local children's centre. but every new initiative we want to try/training etc for our minders has been held back by our LA team but they didn't offer anything instead and were hardly ever present at the children's centre.

We have amazing peer to peer support there though and I got involved in the briefing sessions.

Now, the team of D.O.'s is shortly to be no longer and we have freer reign to do this and the support we can offer will be (I hope) so much more. For new minders especially.

perhaps our 'new organisation' can have a presence/representative in all local children's centres :thumbsup:

[flowerpots]

Ive thought of something else.

Id quite like promotion (nationally) of childminders, in my opinion we are the best option of childcare there is and id like ALL parents to know. I think most parents, when thinking of childcare, automatically only think of nurseries and i think if childminding was promoted alot more it would open alot of parents eyes as to what we do. :D

[catminder]

I'd like representatives who are passionate about and recognise the uniqueness of childminding, who won't 'lump' us together with other childcare professionals, who understand our challenges and are able to voice our concerns and fight our corner.
Alison x

[Chatterbox Childcare]

I would like to see someone or an organisation that

understands our job
will go to battle for us
speak to Ofsted
negotiate with professionals
talk to our LA's

What I don't think is important is

insurance being held by this person/organisation
paperwork that is a must or you may not be represented

[sweets]

Ive thought of something else.

Id quite like promotion (nationally) of childminders, in my opinion we are the best option of childcare there is and id like ALL parents to know. I think most parents, when thinking of childcare, automatically only think of nurseries and i think if childminding was promoted alot more it would open alot of parents eyes as to what we do. :D

Toatally agree with that. i also think we need a change of name too.

[AgentTink]

The people at the top of the organisation to have been/are childminders and are very passionate about the role we fulfill in society
The organisation to lobby to the government about the vital role we play in the country, and to have us included properly in all literature for parents with the right information, and benefits such as our lower costs, more personal care, positive learning opportunities we provide
The organisation to make sure we are advertised in our own right. For one example we could join forces with childcare.co.uk, and they could do a generic advert about childcare available for parents, which we could then use to put out locally, in papers, childrens centres, schools all the places that do not allow childminders to put their own advert.
The organisation to be able to offer quick responses to all PR enquiries and to make sure its members are aware that programs or papers are looking for childminders to be involved in a feature.
To offer legal advice and legal documents – such as official letters for disputes etc. I am aware that some solicitors and barristers give their free time for 3 hours a week, just for advice. There could be a place on the forum (or wherever the organisation is set up) just for legal guidance that is looked at by some legal people who offer the support and guidance we need. (Kind of like what Mr Anchovy does for accounting).
To offer dedicated support for Safeguarding issues. The right organisation may be able to get dedicated help from the NSPCC.
To offer dedicated support for how to complain to Ofsted following a inspection
Full daily updates available which pull together all the information from all areas ie Ofsted, Food Standards Agency, ICO, PPL, EYFS. And put it into non-jargon speak
The organisation to be known as a reference point for all of the above organisations as a way of getting the information out to childminders
To offer help with planning and observations. Some childminders struggle with this area. Help available would be for you to tell someone what you have observed and for them to talk you through how this links to EYFS, How to come up with next steps, how to document this information. Almost as a over the phone course for a period of 3 months
Following on from point 9. Paperwork that can be purchased just as MM and NCMA do. The difference for a small organisation would be that you would purchase an email of the paperwork as opposed to packs of paper work.
A organisation that has links with Ofsted, to clarify issues and concerns
To have representation in as many local areas as possible to get to speak to as many childminders as possible. Ie a 3 monthly forum in each area, so issued are raised, which can then be brought together nationally.
　
This is just my wishes and I know some would not be possible without financial support, but it is worth voicing them as you never know what someone could do. I also believe that there is a lot of passionate childminders who would do lots of free support for the mean time to make us be heard and give people support.

I know if the organisation was able to promote childminders and make sure that other organisations know what our role entails, that there would be less issues with childminders paying to join.

I too don’t think there is a need for things like money off places, and in terms of insurance we can still purchase it from MM. Who knows if a new organisation is started, they may be able to get MM on board, who will in turn keep their price competitive.

[Pipsqueak]

keep them coming peeps

397 views so far and on a fraction on replies....


PLEASE reply -

if you aren't NCMA - WHY aren't you NCMA membership / insurance???

why did you leave - why have you never gone with them?


keep it coming - even if its positives..... the need to know is with me!

[Penny1959]

The people at the top of the organisation to have been/are childminders and are very passionate about the role we fulfill in society The organisation to lobby to the government about the vital role we play in the country, and to have us included properly in all literature for parents with the right information, and benefits such as our lower costs, more personal care, positive learning opportunities we provide
The organisation to make sure we are advertised in our own right. For one example we could join forces with childcare.co.uk, and they could do a generic advert about childcare available for parents, which we could then use to put out locally, in papers, childrens centres, schools all the places that do not allow childminders to put their own advert.
The organisation to be able to offer quick responses to all PR enquiries and to make sure its members are aware that programs or papers are looking for childminders to be involved in a feature.
To offer legal advice and legal documents – such as official letters for disputes etc. I am aware that some solicitors and barristers give their free time for 3 hours a week, just for advice. There could be a place on the forum (or wherever the organisation is set up) just for legal guidance that is looked at by some legal people who offer the support and guidance we need. (Kind of like what Mr Anchovy does for accounting).
To offer dedicated support for Safeguarding issues. The right organisation may be able to get dedicated help from the NSPCC.
To offer dedicated support for how to complain to Ofsted following a inspection
Full daily updates available which pull together all the information from all areas ie Ofsted, Food Standards Agency, ICO, PPL, EYFS. And put it into non-jargon speak
The organisation to be known as a reference point for all of the above organisations as a way of getting the information out to childminders
To offer help with planning and observations. Some childminders struggle with this area. Help available would be for you to tell someone what you have observed and for them to talk you through how this links to EYFS, How to come up with next steps, how to document this information. Almost as a over the phone course for a period of 3 months
Following on from point 9. Paperwork that can be purchased just as MM and NCMA do. The difference for a small organisation would be that you would purchase an email of the paperwork as opposed to packs of paper work.
A organisation that has links with Ofsted, to clarify issues and concerns
To have representation in as many local areas as possible to get to speak to as many childminders as possible. Ie a 3 monthly forum in each area, so issued are raised, which can then be brought together nationally.
　
This is just my wishes and I know some would not be possible without financial support, but it is worth voicing them as you never know what someone could do. I also believe that there is a lot of passionate childminders who would do lots of free support for the mean time to make us be heard and give people support.

I know if the organisation was able to promote childminders and make sure that other organisations know what our role entails, that there would be less issues with childminders paying to join.

I too don’t think there is a need for things like money off places, and in terms of insurance we can still purchase it from MM. Who knows if a new organisation is started, they may be able to get MM on board, who will in turn keep their price competitive.


Love your idea AgentTink

And in my opinion it is the basis of what NCMAwas original set up for - and the first point that I have highlighted - used to be the case - now hardlt anyone on NCMA staff have been a childminder - some use childminders - but that is not the same at all.

I personally think that without the passion for childminding through having been a childminder / still are a childminder - it becomes a job and you start thinking about saving your job - not what your members need / want.

My line manage at the LA was very supportive of childminders - but she did not have a passion for childminding - and sometimes would admit she did not have a clue why such and such was important or why something needed tackling or supporting. I was always in trouble for working more hours than I should because I would often be at a childminders house late into the evening supporting them - I was told not to do it - so I just continued to do it but did not claim for all the hours the visit took.

Penny :)


Penny

[jelly15]

The most important point for me is a body to be 100% with us when we have difficulties ie. malicious complaints and non payers. For them to really understand how vulnerable us childminders are.

I also think that a campaign to make the general public aware of our profession, on how we are regulated the same as a nurseryand how many of us have qualifications. Too many people think I am a babysitter.

[Rosy Days]

I also think that a campaign to make the general public aware of our profession, on how we are regulated the same as a nurseryand how many of us have qualifications. Too many people think I am a babysitter.

Definitely :thumbsup: x

[Lick'le Oakes]

To me it would be having the trust in the organisation to do what they say thye would, knowing they will support you and understand your needs, and if they don't at least try to. I am with the NCMA but my renewal is due and i'm not sure why I pay the money. I have a friend who's parent didn't pay, she had contract etc, everything in place....she is still having arguments with NCMA about the money, she has had no support whatsoever. I personally phoned about information on getting rid of an assistant that I wasn't happy with, I wanted to know the legal side of things, again the woman on the phone kept saying she doesn't know I asked her to find out and phone me back and she didn't, the ladies on here have alot more knowledge, experience and give out ALOT more support than I have ever been given from NCMA.

[The Juggler]

The most important point for me is a body to be 100% with us when we have difficulties ie. malicious complaints and non payers. For them to really understand how vulnerable us childminders are.

I also think that a campaign to make the general public aware of our profession, on how we are regulated the same as a nurseryand how many of us have qualifications. Too many people think I am a babysitter.

absolutely :thumbsup:

[Pipsqueak]

bumping...

keep those opinions and thoughts a-coming please

[silvermist]

The most important point for me is a body to be 100% with us when we have difficulties ie. malicious complaints and non payers. For them to really understand how vulnerable us childminders are.

I also think that a campaign to make the general public aware of our profession, on how we are regulated the same as a nurseryand how many of us have qualifications. Too many people think I am a babysitter.

I agree, but I also want someone who is able to 'translate':thumbsup: Ofsted into laymans terms!

[Pipsqueak]

I agree, but I also want someone who is able to 'translate':thumbsup: Ofsted into laymans terms!

Thats Sarah Neville!! lol

[Pipsqueak]

bumping ... c'mon there have gotta be more opinions


:D

[mandy moo]

Just seen this thread :blush:

and cant think of anything to add that hasnt already been said
So just bumping

[JCrakers]

All I would want out of them would be to spread the word amongst parents and folk what exactly childminders do. How professional we are, the benefits of a childminder and basically get the word out that we are not just their to look after children but everything else that comes with it :D

Simples

Half the parents I speak to who have chosen a nursery don't even realise what I do