The NCMA has published its own manifesto, 'Putting Families First', that aims to help the parties understand the specific needs of childminders. The 24 points in the manifesto include:
* The creation of a childminding network as part of every children's centre in England and every integrated centre in Wales
* Start-up grants for new childminders
* Legislation changes, no later than 2010, to require all new childminders to achieve a level 3 qualification within five years of registration
* Eligibility for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit extended to childminders caring for their own children
* Reform and expansion of the tax credits system to support parents paying the full cost of childcare and free places for families on the lowest incomes
* Acknowledgement of the importance of home-based childcare for babies and children under three in future childcare initiatives.
Liz Bayram, policy and public affairs director for NCMA, said the manifesto lays out the key issues that NCMA and its members believe must be addressed to ensure families have universal access to home-based childcare.
Ms Bayram said, 'There has already been a great deal of progress in ensuring childminding is part of the National Childcare Strategy, but with childcare currently on the agenda of all political parties, we feel it is important for childminders to have their views heard.
'Since 2001 the proportion of childminders holding any relevant qualification has risen from 34 per cent to 64 per cent, but we need to build on this success. We would be extremely pleased if, by 2008, the 2,500 children's centres planned by the Government were linked to childminding networks. This would offer families much better choice in terms of flexible, affordable childcare.'
A copy of 'Putting Families First' will be sent to every MP in England and Wales, and every Assembly Member in Wales in October. It can be downloaded from www.ncma.org.uk.