Another AGENCIES update...please read!! (26 Nov)
This is on the Foundation Years website...does it really tell us anymore...do not miss the bit that says 'they will attract more talented people in the profession'!!
Childminder Information | Foundation Years
Childminder agencies
What are childminder agencies
Childminder agencies are a new way to provide access to high quality home based childcare. They will help tackle the worrying trend that has seen the number of childminders falling dramatically in the last twenty years and encourage more talented people to enter the profession. The Government wants to see an expansion in the numbers of independent childminders and, in due course, those working with agencies. It will be entirely voluntary for childminders to join agencies and for parents to use them.
Why are they different and what are they aiming to achieve
Childminders are an important and valued part of the UK´s childcare offer. Many parents find the flexibility and approach offered by childminders a reassuring service in its own right and as a complement to nursery care. Agencies are, therefore, good news for parents as they will improve parental access to a choice of home based childcare with added peace of mind their carer is high quality and well supported.
Who is delivering childminding agencies
Government wants to encourage lots of organisations to take up the opportunity of delivering childminder agencies – from schools and children’s centres, to private businesses including nanny agencies and nurseries, and local childminder networks. The first agencies are expected to be able to register and be inspected by Ofsted from September 2014, subject to the passage of legislation.
I hear there are trials being run
Yes, that’s right. There are a number of organisations trialling the approach over the next few months throughout England. Further information can be found on the Government website.
What are the trials looking at
The trials are testing out:
•how agencies can be set up by different organisations;
•how agencies will recruit and work with childminders;
•how agencies plan to deal with training, suitability and accountability of childminders;
•different agency business models and which models are likely to be most effective;
•how agencies might make the most of different funding streams, including the new childcare voucher system;
•how agencies might work with Ofsted; and
•how agencies might work as a part of a community childcare facility, linking with other organisations and working with parents.
Timescale for the trials
The trials are now operating. No end point for the trials is being set by Government. It will be for the trial participants to decide this themselves, in the context of the passage of the legislation around agencies currently before Parliament.
What help is available during the trials
4Children is the DfE’s strategic partner for early years and childcare and is the main point of contact for organisations throughout the trials. They will:
•establish communication routes for the trial organisations to network
•create a library of documents on the site that can help
•provide business development support and challenge by phone or through a visit
•help join up work with Ofsted and across the sector
•share learning with others
View case studies from the trials
Download the Frequently Asked Questions
