Nursery World - Minders challenge Labour on quality

A manifesto for childminders in England was published by the National Childminding Association (NCMA) following the Government's publication of its national standards for daycare and childminding last week. Although the manifesto's stated intention is to outline 'how the next Government should be supporting registered childminding', the NCMA is also using it to contrast its own quality standards with the Government's. While the national standards say childminders in England will be the only daycare providers allowed to smack the children in their care and to smoke in the children's presence with parents' permission, the quality standards state that 'NCMA childminders never slap, smack, shake, bite, frighten or humiliate a child' and they 'ensure a smoke-free environment while they are childminding'.

Although the manifesto's stated intention is to outline 'how the next Government should be supporting registered childminding', the NCMA is also using it to contrast its own quality standards with the Government's. While the national standards say childminders in England will be the only daycare providers allowed to smack the children in their care and to smoke in the children's presence with parents' permission, the quality standards state that 'NCMA childminders never slap, smack, shake, bite, frighten or humiliate a child' and they 'ensure a smoke-free environment while they are childminding'.

The NCMA's four-point manifesto calls on the next Government to raise the profile and status of childminding by valuing it 'equally with other quality care', in part by ensuring children are not exposed to smoking and smacking in any daycare setting, including childminding.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included