Childminder takes petition against agencies to House of Commons

Southampton childminder Lisa Fricker will hand the petition of 3,828 signatures, started by childminder Penny Webb, to her MP Alan Whitehead.

The Stop, Listen, Consult petition calls for a full and appropriate consultation with the sector before any new proposals are published or implemented.

The main areas it lists that need consulting on are plans for childminder agencies, local authorities losing their support and quality assurance role, and early years qualifications.

Ms Fricker said, ‘I am honored to have been asked by Penny Webb to hand in the Stop, Listen and Consult petition.

‘It is important that all childcare professionals are given the opportunity to have their views heard, in particular about the implementation of childminder agencies. i have yet to meet any childminder who wants to join one.

'This petition shows how strongly we all feel about this Government’s proposals to our childcare system.’

A comment from one signatory, an outstanding childminder in London, says, ‘I see nothing beneficial about the More Great Childcare proposals’.

‘The local authority and early years childminding team are superb. Please leave us alone so we can focus on our businesses and the children in our care.’

Another signatory says, ‘I believe the changes would actually mean less great childcare. I do not believe the children have been the focus of this report.’

The petiton will be handed in on the same day as the Too Much Too Soon campaign's day of action, which calls for children to start formal schooling at a later age. As part of the day of action, a petition is being delivered to Downing Street.