Thank you Penny.
Please note comments in blue are my personal thoughts and nothing to do with feedback from DfE
Very dissappointed to see the recommendations about two teirs of Childminders and a strong emphasis on Networks. I was hoping all Networks would be abolished because in my experience in our area they are definately a post code lottery and bear no relationship to the quality of the local childminders. My nearest Network of this nature is over 20 miles away and I would not be allowed to join it. This has meant that it has been impossible to even consider becoming accredited for instance. We would have to have a gurantee that all cms would have access to a Network if they wanted to.
I agree RS - in fact I stated my case very strongly as of course I am not a network childminder - despite my previous job as network coordinator. I object to networks - because not available to all who want them and / or to be accredited because of LA funding and decisions about if want accredited cms. That there is NO standard now that LA can do their own networks - so in on area you could have a very good network, in another area a poor network and in yet another no network at all. Also for networks to work (in my opinion) you need to have regular visits including unannounced visits and an assessment process over several months so you get to know the childminder and their practice - and therefore know if everyday practice or 'show practice. So as we are unlikely to get funding or a decission for networks for EVERYONE and of a consistant standard - then I am against networks being the gauge as to if a 'better' childminder
Also the agreement that all cms should have an NVQ Level 3 (lets get it right, an 'A' Level).
It has, I think already been proven that this is not realist because the final dates have been pushed back and back. I seem to remember the FIRST DEADLINE was 2010
Until the authorities plan to fully fund all existing cms as well. Why would a cm with 10-15yrs experience and one who has taken part in training regularly pay upward of £2000 for a qualification that doesn't mean they can increase their fees to absorb the cost or regognise the training. Such childminders are often always full and having a level 3 would not influence this at all. Far better to perhaps assess such cms and give them an acceditation for their years of experience and training if they warrent it. Isn't this what Ofsted do in our inspections anyway?
Yes make it a requirement for all new cms so they have a good base training if they have no acedemic qualfications, but I think there has to be recognition for all other 'A' Levels and higher qualifications that a propective cm has. After all how many people with a Degree in a subject go into the workplace not using specifically the subject of their degree? It does not in anyway mean they do a bad job because of it. I don't think this is recognised for cms.
I think the idea was for a phasing in - a bit like they have done other things. The 2010 timeframe was a NCMA idea in what they wanted to happen and not a government adopted one
]I have far higher qualifications than 'A' Levels and I have 5 of those! I have 40 years work experience, 17 childminding and am always and have always been able to fill my vacancies I have never had less then Good in my inspections but I have no formal Child care qualifications apart from raising my own children. Does that make me a worse cm than one with an 'A' Level in childcare, are the potential outcomes for the children in my care less because of the lack of an 'A' Level? Ofsted don't think this is the case and never have.
And yes agree there should be a system to give credit for those with years of good practice and Ofsted grades etc to prove it - however as we all know there are a few who have years of experience who don't have a clue
I really think it would be a dangerous move to say ALL cms have to have this 'A' Level by 2015 it means people will have to get on a course really by Sept 2013 to achieve this and I don't see this happening so if a cm doesn't have the NVQ by 2015 will they be de-registered and be told they can no longer work? How will this work if like me they have always ahd good and outstandings on inspection? Won't it make Ofsted look like Prats to one day say someone is a good cm and then de register them for the lack of an 'A' level? Sorry but I can't see it happening.
By the way I am currently doing the new Level 3 Diploma. Only because at the beginning of the year my LA got government funding for £1500 of the £2000 and split the £500 so I have only had to pay £250 to do the course. It is a joke though, I got level 3 in my English competency test and Level 2 in Maths, but in addition to the 'A' Level course I have to do Edexcel GCSE in Maths and English. My children think it is hilarious and so do my parents. My parents as professionas would never be expected to go through this kind of process in their workplace and are amazed that the government are doing this to cms.
Sorry I'll get off my soap box now!!
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