Cuts to red tape for childcare providers on the way

Interviewed in this week’s issue of Nursery World Elizabeth Truss hinted at changes ahead that would give providers more leeway to use their professional discretion.

The minister for education and childcare said that she intends to give ‘a comprehensive response about the regulatory system’ in the Government’s response to the Nutbrown review, which is expected shortly.

Ms Truss told Nursery World that she intended to increase ‘the level of professional discretion and professionalism, and that means allowing, where there are not issues of quality and safety, providers more say in how they operate,’ she said.

‘I think it’s really important that if we say to people you are a graduate leader, that we allow people to exercise their professional judgement, and that’s what parents want – high quality, trusted people who are properly regulated by Ofsted, making decisions about how they run their nursery, their childminding practice.’

But early years organisations warned against any changes that could impact on quality.

Denise Burke, United for all Ages and the Good Care Guide, said, ‘Reducing regulation through changes in ratios or qualifications is not the answer to affordability or quality. However taking away some of the burden of registration and inspection paperwork could be a good thing.

‘It would be a grave mistake if the coalition government ignored concerns about deregulation. There are a number of do able solutions to solve the childcare funding crisis they should pursue.’

National Day Nurseries Association chief executive Purnima Tanuku, said, ‘In NDNA’s response to the Childcare Commission we stated that any changes to regulation must put quality first. We are keen to continue discussions with the Government about how we can meet the challenges of providing affordable childcare which meets the needs of parents, whilst at the same time offering children high quality early education to give them the best possible start in life.’