Childminders want vouchers to reduce tax credit fraud
Katy Morton
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The National Childminding Association is proposing that the Government pay parents the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit in vouchers, which are only accepted by registered childcarers, in a bid to reduce fraud.
The call follows concerns from NCMA members that some parents are fraudently claiming Working Tax Credits using a registered provider's name, address and registration number, but without having a placement for their child.
The policy initiative was one of four resolutions agreed on by members during the NCMA's national conference in Bristol last weekend.
The NCMA is also calling for childminders who are grandparents to be able to accept Working Tax Credits, for registered childminders with lower Ofsted gradings to receive more regular inspections, while extending the time between inspections for outstanding providers, and for childminders to be able to provide social care placements instead of placing children in temporary foster care.
Delegates at the conference also heard from speakers including children's TV presenter Dave Benson Phillips, who shared his tips on how to include music in a home-based setting. Childminders also had the chance to take part in a number of workshops led by Booktrust, Piccolo Music, the Red Cross and the NSPCC.
Susanna Dawson, chair of NCMA, said, 'The annual conference gave NCMA the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of registered childminders and nannies in improving outcomes for children.
'Delegates particularly enjoyed the keynote session from Dave Benson Phillips, as well as a chance to network with colleagues from across England and Wales and attend professional development workshops.'
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.ncma.org.uk
