FREE CHILDMINDERS
I feel cheated. Childminders are doing the same as other care and education establishments, we have universal goals for learning and we work towards the same welfare requirements as everybody else. But we still can't give our children the free early years entitlement. Is this because of training, experience or practice?
The answer, of course, lies in the fact that not all of us are accredited. Only those belonging to an NCMA 'Children Come First' Network and who have achieved accreditation through it, are able to claim the free entitlement for the children in their care. I have nothing against this and was previously an accredited childminder myself, but here is the difference - it was my choice. I find this anomaly perplexing now that, through legislation, all registered childminders have to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The NCMA is campaigning for many more networks to be set up so that all registered childminders who wish to join can do so and become accredited as well. But the cost of enlarging networks to allow every childminder to join would be prohibitive for the local authorities. Anyway, what is the point of being accredited if we are all delivering the same 'legal' framework?
I scoured through the statutory framework again to find out if there is something different in what accredited childminders do in the EYFS. The only detail I have found is that they need to 'record' the time of attendance for the free entitlement to be claimed! Can anybody add to this?
I feel childminders are left out of the system that would have made us equal. All children and their families deserve an equal opportunity to access universal financial support. In some cases this support could make a real difference to children through having access to good quality care, early education and alleviation of poverty.
My thoughts are now focused on the next step in 2010, when the free entitlement for two-year-olds will become effective in deprived areas, and I am looking ahead at the Government's ultimate aim of free childcare from birth. The vast majority of babies and two-year-olds in daycare are in day nurseries or with childminders, and so we will all become accredited through legislation.
While I share some of the Government's vision for childcare, I hope all registered childminders will call for a fair and inclusive system for carers, children and families.
Simona McKenzie, registered childminder, Twickenham, Middlesex
Letter of the week wins £30 worth of books
RISK TO PLAY WITH
The authors of the CABE report who found only dull and unimaginative playgrounds (News, 30 October) have obviously not spent much time in west London parks recently. Holland Park, in particular, has been kitted out with exceptional play equipment for children of all ages.
My children are especially keen on the rope net which encourages them to climb at least six metres high and gives them ample opportunity to risk injury the higher they climb. This may not be typical of all parks, but it certainly shows what can be done with some effort and money.
Jerry Beere, partner, Morton Michel insurers
MORE CANCER BOOKS
I read your article 'When Granny lost her hair' (30 October) with interest. Breast Cancer Care has recently published a free picture storybook called Mummy's lump which is aimed at young children and covers diagnosis, going into hospital, medical treatments and hair loss. It is funded by the Lavender Trust, which raises money specifically to fund information and support for younger women with breast cancer.
I am a nursery nurse and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 when my own children were teenagers. I have ensured that a copy of this excellent book is on the bookshelf in the office of the nursery where I work, and that my fellow staff members, who were incredibly supportive, are all aware of its existence. The book can be found in the publications, health and wellbeing section at: www.breastcancercare.org.uk.
Fiona Gunn, Newton Poppleford Send youR letters to ...
The Editor, Nursery World,
174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP
letter.nw@haymarket.com
020 8267 8402