Clarifications for 'independent' childminders
For those cms who wish to remain 'independent' many issues remain unclarified....it is hoped that in the near future as we can take part in discussions with the DfE we will take advantage of that (rush to apply now) and concentrate on getting answers and clarifications that will enable us to continue running our businesses
What does it mean to be independent? 'free, liberated, unconnected, unconstrained, uncontrolled, self-governing, self-reliant, self-sufficient'..just a few of the description applied to independence
We will have to continue to be legislated by the DfE and regulated by Ofsted!
Will we accept that in return for less restriction, unnecessary control and, at times, stifling red tape and bureaucrocy at all levels we may have to pay a higher price for our registration and inspection fees?
Can we self govern ourselves? I believe so because we know what the requirements are to continue delivering high quality care as long as we are able to tap into expert support when needed? That is a very important point to be clarified...where is that coming from?
No point in asking the LAs at present because they are mostly in a state of shock!
Training will be another issue....we could access First Aid anywhere as Truss is removing the need to attend LAs prescribed sessions...honestly FA is the least of my problems as it is dictated by other powers and not LAs...wherever you are CPR will never change and you can only put a sling on one way!!!
Safeguarding and Child Protection is a main issue as this has to comply with the govt guidelines (March 2010) but must reflect the LAs own Local Safeguarding Children's Board (LSCB) and their point of access (called differently in each area)
So we must ensure that this statutory training will be on offer to 'independent' cms 'regardless'!
If being 'independent' is what we believe we can be we must get a clear undertaking from the DfE that we will not meet 'barriers' or 'obstacles' preventing us to remain so and no 'unfair' competition is put in our way by agencies or whatever becomes available from Sept 2013?
One of the obstacles I can see looming will be the 'childcare market' Truss is creating...independent cms must, under no circumstance, feel that to get work they have to pay for their services to be provided by a 3rd party and paid dearly for when we can freely advertise our services now?
If this was the case the many 'hoops' Truss wants to remove will only become mountains that we cannot even think of climbing.
For those who wish to deliver the free Entitlement to 2,3 and 4 year olds there has to be clear understanding of how we apply for funding and that belonging to a network is not an issue if a cm is judged Good or Outstanding by Ofsted...unfortunately some LAs still insist on this.
What is important is how LAs will continue to support us from one inspection to the next to maintaint the grade and quality? (by that time there may be a new govt ...so all change again!!)
So while we rightly worry about agencies or ponder choices of associations we will be able to choose from in future...let's not lose track of our aim: we want to be indpendent and know exactly where we stand and let nothing stand in our way!
Clarification on 'independent' cms
The uncertainty is aggravated by Truss and the DfE who continue to ignore our request for clarification while engaging with those who pretend to represent us and air our concerns....how presumptious is that??
I have made it very clear from the start of the campaign last year and, reinforced some of the issues in this forum today, what we need to have clarified.
It appears we will be consulted....no one knows when while the 'task and finish group' do all the negotiations for us with the DfE in the meantime?
The DfE states that they have received an overwhelming interest for setting up agencies...I would take that with a pinch of salt...or a shovel if you like! If that is true I'll eat my many hats!!!
All we can do at present is keep the pressure on, continue to write letters, encourage as many cms as possible to join the campaign, get meetings going, tweet, share on Facebook if you are on it and nudge the LAs into some sort of engagement with us and keep the info sharing going out in the open in all forums and websites because every single cm's voice counts not just the few!!
On a 'happier' note get ready to hear the budget on Wednesday...the press seemed to be at loggerheads today whether the budget will announce tax breaks for the well off to help with childcare while the other said tax breaks will be delayed as there is no money for EY.... a long way from sorting out the cost of childcare or having universal childcare equally accessible to all children!!