Nursery World - A touch too light for older children

Kids' Clubs Network has voiced concern that Government proposals for a 'light-touch' certification scheme to regulate out-of-school care for the over-sevens does not go far enough. The scheme has been proposed in a consultation paper, Early Years and Childcare Regulation. At present care for over-eights is not regulated under the Children Act, and the Government fears that unscrupulous people might choose to work only with older children in order to avoid checks.

The scheme has been proposed in a consultation paper, Early Years and Childcare Regulation. At present care for over-eights is not regulated under the Children Act, and the Government fears that unscrupulous people might choose to work only with older children in order to avoid checks.

The principal aim of the certification scheme, to be administered by Ofsted, would be to ensure that anyone working with older children was suitable to do so. It would apply to those caring for children aged eight to 15, or to 17 for children who have disabilities or special educational needs.

The scheme would be based on the first of the national standards for daycare and childminding for under-eights, the 'suitable person' standard, and the supporting criteria. The Government is currently consulting on the range of checks and requirements that Ofsted should carry out to assess suitability. These could include checking criminal record through the Criminal Records Bureau, medical records and qualifications.

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