Pat Adams, a childminder for more than 20 years, said she still wanted to continue childminding and would be 'very sad' if she had to give up, but felt that she had to make a stand because she objects to the EYFS being statutory and believes it should be used only as guidance.
She said she had seriously considered giving up childminding before the EYFS was brought in last September, but with the full backing of the parents of the children she cares for had decided to apply for exemption from the EYFS learning and development requirements instead.
Mrs Adams heard that her application had been rejected in a letter from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority two weeks ago. Her application was turned down because the evidence she provided was not considered sufficient to show that her beliefs about young children's early education were in conflict with the EYFS early learning goals.
The QCA stated, 'In your case you have not been able to demonstrate that you are unable to secure that your early years provision meets the early learning goals because it is governed by established principles relating to the learning and development of young children which cannot be reconciled with the early learning goals.'
The letter said that she should inform parents of QCA's decision.
Mrs Adams told Nursery World, 'I am not giving up childminding immediately but will continue working in the same way and will wait until my next Ofsted inspection and see what the outcome of that will be. If Ofsted downgrade me to inadequate I will be extremely upset, because I know their decision will be based on paperwork and not on the quality of my childcare.'
She said she knew of at least three other childminders with similar views to herself who would be prepared to leave the profession if they are downgraded in their Ofsted inspections.
She added, 'Parents just want someone to look after their children and know that they are safe and cared for. They don't want formal learning - they want a home-from-home environment.'
'There's too much written assessment in the EYFS,' she added. 'I'm doing all the paperwork that I feel is necessary. I'm continually observing the children, but I'd rather tell the parents than write it down. Parents tell me that they can see their child is doing well and don't need a piece of paper to tell them.'
Mrs Adams said she intended to submit another application for exemption.
The QCA confirmed that it had received three applications for exemption so far and none had been granted to date.
A spokesperson said, 'We aim to respond to providers with a decision within 12 weeks. Most decisions will take less time than this, but very complex applications may take longer.'
A DCSF spokesperson said, 'Childminders have a vital role to play, and we know they are valued by many parents for the unique type of childcare they provide. The EYFS is based on the advice of qualified early years professionals and we consulted widely on it - and it’s supported by the National Childminding Association who say the EYFS is a positive development.
'The EYFS is not about paperwork and bureaucracy it does not prescribe how anything should be recorded. The EYFS expects practitioners to observe children's progress and respond appropriately to help them to take the next steps in their development and make progress towards the early-learning goals. Observational assessment is something a good practitioner will already be doing as part of their everyday practice.'
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.qca.org.uk/qca_19649.aspx