CMs agency website!!!

[singingcactus]

Doesn't work for me either. Will try on another device later maybe.

[Simona]

Doesn't work for me either. Will try on another device later maybe.

The link is now not working anymore...they have finally got to it....al you get is a blank screen
Follow any developments on the Foundation Years website

[singingcactus]

The link is now not working anymore...they have finally got to it....al you get is a blank screen
Follow any developments on the Foundation Years website

Bah, needed something to make me laugh today

[SammySplodger]

Glad you all found it on here too - we had quite a lot of posts about it on FB on Friday.
:-)

If they can't get something as basic as not launching a website before its finished right, it doesn't bode well, does it?

The begging text on the fees page was truly dreadful. What on earth were they thinking?!

The other thing that became clear is that the FB group definitely has agency 'spies'.

[Simona]

Glad you all found it on here too - we had quite a lot of posts about it on FB on Friday.
:-)

If they can't get something as basic as not launching a website before its finished right, it doesn't bode well, does it?

The begging text on the fees page was truly dreadful. What on earth were they thinking?!

The other thing that became clear is that the FB group definitely has agency 'spies'.

And what are the 'spies' spying about and ...more important...who are they feeding back to?
Intriguing! but it just shows the power of the medium like Twitter and FB...things spread and info is shared quickly for the benefit of all!!

[SammySplodger]

My guess is that they are hunting for USPs / angles to make offers to hook us in, finding out which buttons to press and looking at how we are reacting. I could not care less if they are - I make my position crystal clear! ;-)

Just posted this question on various FB groups, but thought it appropriate to ask here too:

Bearing in mind that Agency trials are now underway and we know who the chosen 20 are, I think it would be really useful to know who the others were who were not chosen. I am suspicious that those others might be busy preparing in the background... Setting up other membership / free info sites to reel us in on?

Personally very cautious of joining anything at the moment unless I'm 100% sure they have no agency affiliation or plans to launch one in future. Any idea where or how I find this out?

[Simona]

My guess is that they are hunting for USPs / angles to make offers to hook us in, finding out which buttons to press and looking at how we are reacting. I could not care less if they are - I make my position crystal clear! ;-)

Just posted this question on various FB groups, but thought it appropriate to ask here too:

Bearing in mind that Agency trials are now underway and we know who the chosen 20 are, I think it would be really useful to know who the others were who were not chosen. I am suspicious that those others might be busy preparing in the background... Setting up other membership / free info sites to reel us in on?

Personally very cautious of joining anything at the moment unless I'm 100% sure they have no agency affiliation or plans to launch one in future. Any idea where or how I find this out?

As Truss said herself there were around 100 interested but the reason why their names were not divulged because they asked to remain anonymous...she was asked in Parliament and refused to say who they were on confidentiality grounds so I doubt we will get to know who they were

My LA applied ...they were refused but informed us they have asked the DfE to keep them 'in the loop' so that means they are interested in future
We also know the DfE needed various models and we can see that is true with those trialling...10 LAs were chosen out of 20 so they will more or less have a similar model possibly based on a network....the other 10 are a variety
So the rest, 80 of them, will be sitting and waiting and looking at the feedback while constantly improving their model...not spies really just listening to cms and possibly taking into account anything they say on FB

So those spies on FB were looking for USP? I feel it should be the other way round...they should give us their USP and convince us that agencies are best?
they don't even have an inspection framework to go by, what are their Terms and Conditions for joining their agency?
what are the costs to cms?
how will they lower the cost to parents?
what is their expertise?
how much does it cost to deliver the comprehensive package of benefits to cms?

until they get inspected how do we know what their grade will be? how many outstanding cms would risk their grade for the unknown??

As an independent cm the only thing I personally need is to look at joining groups with independent trainers and consultants who I can go to and fill the gaps left by LAs and who will offer me training, meetings, CPD and much more that can match that on offer to agency cms....plenty out there very willing and no need to be suspicious of them either.

I would not rush into anything at the moment and wait for those cms volunteering to report back on their experience...we are waiting.

[SammySplodger]

Someone on another FB group sent me a link to a FOI request for the Agencies. Here it is:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...es_expressions

Personally I'm now very suspicious of any new websites or FB groups for CMs and looking carefully at who us behind them.

[The Juggler]

i like the opening phrase ' we are delighted to announce we has been'

if they cant get their own grammer right what are they planning to do to help us with our paperwork?

or help us to provide a better quality provision for children in our care!!!!!!!!!!!!! shocking just shocking

[Simona]

Someone on another FB group sent me a link to a FOI request for the Agencies. Here it is:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...es_expressions

Personally I'm now very suspicious of any new websites or FB groups for CMs and looking carefully at who us behind them.

That confirms what I posted before Sammy....that link is very old and in the public domain...the DfE were keeping the names from being disclosed due to confidentiality... we know that!!
You have the 20 names now so not sure what you are saying by being suspicious of every group on FB or any website?

how many FB groups do you belong to and how much credit do you give FB?
FB is not a reliable source of information...follow the real events in what are open forums and public information

[rickysmiths]

No it is still there...not possible to access via ipad though
Copy the link and email it to yourself then you can open it anytime on your PC
I can also open it on twitter where I posted it

It still won't open on my PC

[rickysmiths]

I've tried to open on 2 browsers, through here and twitter and just come up with blank document BUT I googled them and looked at the cached page and although it isn't perfect I get the gist. Think someone went live too soon!

First Years Childcare // York

Thanks for that I can see it now!!!

[SammySplodger]

That confirms what I posted before Sammy....that link is very old and in the public domain...the DfE were keeping the names from being disclosed due to confidentiality... we know that!!
You have the 20 names now so not sure what you are saying by being suspicious of every group on FB or any website?

how many FB groups do you belong to and how much credit do you give FB?
FB is not a reliable source of information...follow the real events in what are open forums and public information

I disagree. Many companies use FB to promote themselves.

There are others who were not chosen who are now setting up 'freebie' information and/or listings sites and FB groups for us to sign up to. Then, when/if Agencies start they already have our details to try to reel us in. There is already one very suspicious looking example of this happening.

So: beware of anything looking too good to be true. Ask yourself: are they offering something a bit over-generous? How do they make money from the site/group? Who is funding it?

[rickysmiths]

As Truss said herself there were around 100 interested but the reason why their names were not divulged because they asked to remain anonymous...she was asked in Parliament and refused to say who they were on confidentiality grounds so I doubt we will get to know who they were

My LA applied ...they were refused but informed us they have asked the DfE to keep them 'in the loop' so that means they are interested in future
We also know the DfE needed various models and we can see that is true with those trialling...10 LAs were chosen out of 20 so they will more or less have a similar model possibly based on a network....the other 10 are a variety
So the rest, 80 of them, will be sitting and waiting and looking at the feedback while constantly improving their model...not spies really just listening to cms and possibly taking into account anything they say on FB

So those spies on FB were looking for USP? I feel it should be the other way round...they should give us their USP and convince us that agencies are best?
they don't even have an inspection framework to go by, what are their Terms and Conditions for joining their agency?
what are the costs to cms?
how will they lower the cost to parents?
what is their expertise?
how much does it cost to deliver the comprehensive package of benefits to cms?

until they get inspected how do we know what their grade will be? how many outstanding cms would risk their grade for the unknown??

As an independent cm the only thing I personally need is to look at joining groups with independent trainers and consultants who I can go to and fill the gaps left by LAs and who will offer me training, meetings, CPD and much more that can match that on offer to agency cms....plenty out there very willing and no need to be suspicious of them either.

I would not rush into anything at the moment and wait for those cms volunteering to report back on their experience...we are waiting.

Perhaps a Freedom of Information request?

[Simona]

I disagree. Many companies use FB to promote themselves.

There are others who were not chosen who are now setting up 'freebie' information and/or listings sites and FB groups for us to sign up to. Then, when/if Agencies start they already have our details to try to reel us in. There is already one very suspicious looking example of this happening.

So: beware of anything looking too good to be true. Ask yourself: are they offering something a bit over-generous? How do they make money from the site/group? Who is funding it?

I am not sure where you get this information from? ...yesterday you wanted to know the names of the 80 not chosen now you are saying they are setting up 'freebie' information and try to 'reel us in'...who is?
why did you ask us in the forum to help you with your question if you have spotted them on the various pages you are on FB?
is this truth or gossip or assumption?
very confusing...I am happy to read info shared from FB but this is not helpful...not one bit.

Having to be careful of everything and be aware of 'anything looking too good' is just going to scare cms even more but then there will be no discussion here to reassure them because everything is being discussed on FB and you seem to dip in and out of it to give us morsels of what is far from useful information...sorry Sammy but this has really worried me.

No I am not on FB and many will probably want to have a go for criticising it ....I have read a few discussions that go on there and it has put me off but I am sure some CMs use it properly and professionally.

What has happened about the fighting spirit and determination to remain independent?...if you read my reply below you will find what is needed to remain sustainable and match the support agency cms will have....you do not have to believe me but can check for yourself

That is what we should be spreading...positive messages and constructive advice ....there are other ways to discuss this in a professional and constructive manner and certainly FB is not the medium where all happens.

Rickysmiths...if you are talking about the link to the agency it is not possible to open it anymore...they have been told and the link removed.

[SammySplodger]

I am not sure where you get this information from? ...yesterday you wanted to know the names of the 80 not chosen now you are saying they are setting up 'freebie' information and try to 'reel us in'...who is?
SS:
I am not able to say this on here. Have discussed with a Mod already.

why did you ask us in the forum to help you with your question if you have spotted them on the various pages you are on FB?
SS:
I asked the question and then there were further developments and it became a little clearer what is going on. At the point I asked the question this was not clear.

is this truth or gossip or assumption?
Wish I knew that myself, but I know enough truth to realise that we need to be careful and check out anything new.
very confusing...I am happy to read info shared from FB but this is not helpful...not one bit.
SS:
What?! Not helpful to try to alert my colleagues that there is something going on?!

Having to be careful of everything and be aware of 'anything looking too good' is just going to scare cms even more but then there will be no discussion here to reassure them because everything is being discussed on FB and you seem to dip in and out of it to give us morsels of what is far from useful information...sorry Sammy but this has really worried me.
SS:
See above - I am trying to HELP!

No I am not on FB and many will probably want to have a go for criticising it ....I have read a few discussions that go on there and it has put me off but I am sure some CMs use it properly and professionally.
SS:
Yes many do use it properly and professionally and if you aren't on there I don't think you can justify making the comment above.

What has happened about the fighting spirit and determination to remain independent?...
SS:
Absolutely still here - and that us why I am trying to warn people. More determined than ever.

if you read my reply below you will find what is needed to remain sustainable and match the support agency cms will have....you do not have to believe me but can check for yourself
That is what we should be spreading...positive messages and constructive advice ....there are other ways to discuss this in a professional and constructive manner and certainly FB is not the medium where all happens.
SS:
No but a lot DOES happen on FB and it's folly to disregard it. I look at many sources of info to get a rounded view.

Rickysmiths...if you are talking about the link to the agency it is not possible to open it anymore...they have been told and the link removed.

See my responses above.
I'm sure that there are other members who appreciate what I was trying to do and say.

[Simona]

See my responses above.
I'm sure that there are other members who appreciate what I was trying to do and say.

Thank you Sammy for that clarification
I am not an expert on FB and that is why I asked the questions...I do not wish to be confused ...not that I am....and tend to disregard whatever may be going on unless it can be verified but as you say you are unable to provide any more details.

In the meantime a lot is happening outside of FB to ensure independent cms get the support they need in future

[AgentTink]

Nursery World article today gave a bit of further information about the owner of First Years Childcare...
Concern over agency models as pilots start off | Nursery World

They give her name as Natalie Bishop, and she is a registered childminder. After a bit of digging i have found that she is a very recently registered childminder (Sept 13), and runs childminding business called Teepee Childminding.

She does appear to have had a few different business ventures through the past few years most notably Imaginative Childcare Agency which according to face books description:
"We provide qualified high quality • Nannies & Mothers help •Babysitting services• Wedding and event crèches •Relief cover for nurseries •Children’s Parties
We also supply parties in a box and activity sets for parties across the uk."

So I suspect the fact that she has worked with Nannies and provided a service to local parents (based on £11 per hour fee) is the reason she has been chosen to pilot a childminding agency.

Natalie has also ran a nursery originally called Bluebells Day Nursery, and the name changed to Imaginative Montessori Nursery. The nursery is no longer currently operating.

I will be watching closely to see how her price structure works, what she feels childminders need in terms of support that isnt already available, what aspects if the agency she is trialling, and how she will find the time to support fellow childminders whilst being a full time childminder herself.

My main concern right now is she is members of a few different groups on facebook but has of yet not came forward as first years childcare.

[Mouse]

Very interesting Agent T.

I wonder if she has registered as a childminder purely so she can say she is 'one of us'

[Mouse]

She's 'liked' some very familiar pages on Facebook, hasn't she?

I wonder if she's a member on here?