Yesterday, the Children and Families Bill, to make changes to the law relating to childminder agencies and childcare provision, was discussed at the house of commons. As you would have already seen, the bill has caused quite a storm among childcare professionals.

Labour MP Meg Hillier, spoke at the Second Reading of the Children and Families Bill. She said:

‘There is a huge issue around the ratio changes being proposed. This policy is an unworkable one, it beggars belief, it does nothing to reduce the costs, and if you take on generous reading and it does, it is at the cost of quality’.

Quote from one of Meg Hillier’s constituents:

‘If this ratio change had come in before I went back to work, I may not have gone at all. I didn’t want my baby in a nursery, I feel very strongly that parents need the option of leaving their children in a safe caring home environment, with a childminder’.

Meg also talked about the bill’s proposal to create childminder agencies, she said:

‘It is very unclear from this bill how this will work.  Among other concerns, I am very worried that the concept of agencies is very different to different people. It may mean one thing to the Minister, who has proposed this and another to others. For example, is it a children’s centre, or the local authority, acting as an effect agent of Ofsted and professional development locally, which i could support with the right safeguards.  Or is it the relentless march of the private sector supported by this government, to turn a profit from the relationship between childminders and parents?’ 

Watch more from Meg Hillier and others, at the Second Reading of the Children and Families Bill here.

www.parliament.uk, introduced a forum, for childcare professional to have their say. Over 200 people have commented on the proposed introduction of childminder agencies. Comments have included:

‘Really concerned with what happens with childminders who do not wish to join an agency as they are graded good or outstanding using their own skills rather than an agency’s. Really hope that Ofsted recognise our capabilities for remaining independent by allowing parents to use us as well as claiming government financial assistance with tax credits, company voucher schemes etc and that by opting out of the agency umbrella we are still able to offer these by having a good or above Ofsted grade instead’. 

‘Clause and schedule. Both are ridiculous ideas and should be scraped. Ratios are fine as they are for safety and the emotional well being of children. Childminders choose to be self employed and not work for others. Leave childminders alone they do a fantastic job and do not deserve the government interfering any more and putting children at risk! Ms truss should try engaging with childminders and parents to find out what they want’.

In addition childminding UK has reported that, Liz Truss only wants to meet childminders, who are broadly in favour or at least ‘open minded’ about moving to an agency model, at local meetings this week.

We would really like to hear your views on the Second Reading of the Children and Families Bill, at the House of Commons yesterday, and Liz Truss’s requests to only hear from those that are for the introduction of childminder agencies.