Opinion: In my view - Valuing home childcare
I am delighted to be writing this as the new president of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). I have worked with the organisation during its 30-year history and have seen first hand how the nature and status of home-based childcare has changed during that time.
Even when childcare became a Government priority in 1997, the childminding community was perceived by many as 'informal' and somehow less professional than others offering childcare. We have come a long way since then. The introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage means that registered childminders are now considered equal in terms of professionalism to other childcare providers. The establishment of quality-assured childminding networks has not only helped childminders to improve their practice but has also provided a route for them to deliver the free early education offer for three- and four-year-olds. The recent childcare strategy review argues for all childcare workers to reach at least a level 3 qualification, a principle that NCMA and its members support.
However, there is a still a long way to go before we have a truly integrated childcare sector, with home and group providers viewed as different, but equal. Childminding networks must be universally offered by every local authority and we need a clear plan to ensure that all practitioners are supported with appropriate training to achieve a level 3 qualification. This will take time and money and a continued drive from government and the CWDC to keep quality improvement on the agenda.
Above all, we need to continue to tackle the myths about childminding and demonstrate the many benefits of the consistency of care in small family groups and the variety of community-based learning opportunities to inspire and develop children.
