Do you want to remain 'independent'?..read on

[SammySplodger]

Gosh Tori some good points there ive not seen posted before. makes me worry about the agency model on lots of different levels. not good for the children families and cms on so many levels :-(

Yes - Tori's post highlights some of the really serious issues - the current system works, albeit with a few niggles. Agencies is a massive writhing can of potentially dangerous worms... soon to be unleashed :-(

Independent CMs are the safer, tried and tested option. I am still hopeful that Parents will realise this and vote with their feet.

[snortlet]

Independent CMs are the safer, tried and tested option. I am still hopeful that Parents will realise this and vote with their feet.[/QUOTE]

me too. speaking to local parents they are not happy about the agency model as they dont see the need for a middle man. not sure how things stand nationally. depends how informed parents are.

[appleblossom]

There is a current consultation in our LA regarding the Council proposal to end funding for the Family Information Service from September 2014. If this happens there will be no information available to parents about independent childminders. This will make it even harder for Independent Childminders to fill places.

[phoenix2010]

There is a current consultation in our LA regarding the Council proposal to end funding for the Family Information Service from September 2014. If this happens there will be no information available to parents about independent childminders. This will make it even harder for Independent Childminders to fill places.

Really ?? I dont think in 7 years Ive ever got work through FIS

all my work comes through other means

so I dont actually think it will make the slightest difference to me or many childminders Ive spoken to

[SammySplodger]

There is a current consultation in our LA regarding the Council proposal to end funding for the Family Information Service from September 2014. If this happens there will be no information available to parents about independent childminders. This will make it even harder for Independent Childminders to fill places.

It's up to us to publicise ourselves, but we do that anyway. I'm on my FIS database, but no work has come of it (yet).

[appleblossom]

Round here most calls come via FIS.