The Government has finally begun to look at bringing independent schools under the national daycare standards and the Children's Act, where they are providing care for very young children (see News, page 9). This loophole, whereby such schools have not been subject to the same regulation as other providers, has become more apparent as the number of children as young as two attending independent schools has risen fast in recent years. In some cases, failing private day nurseries have been able to re-open as independent schools and evade inspection.
The Government has finally begun to look at bringing independent schools under the national daycare standards and the Children's Act, where they are providing care for very young children (see News, page 9). This loophole, whereby such schools have not been subject to the same regulation as other providers, has become more apparent as the number of children as young as two attending independent schools has risen fast in recent years.
In some cases, failing private day nurseries have been able to re-open as independent schools and evade inspection.
It is worrying, then, that the Government's new proposals for extended schools offering childcare, health and family services (see News, page 4) should make no mention of a regulatory framework. The idea that school premises can be used for accessible and much-needed provision is laudable, but it would be a retrograde step if school-based childcare does not have to comply with the national care standards.
Enquiries about starting up new nurseries are still pouring into the Nursery World offices, so we're delighted to publish our free supplement Nursery Business: starting and running your nursery this week, with all the information you need to help you on your way.
