Welcome

This newsletter is sent to you by the National Childminding Association (NCMA), a charity and professional association. We believe every child should reach their full potential. Since 1977 we have worked with registered childminders and nannies, as well as other individuals and organisations such as local and national government, to ensure families in every community in England and Wales have access to high-quality, home-based childcare, play, learning and family support.

Consultation responses

NCMA has responded to the the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)'s consultation, Future Approach to Fees and Subsidies, which closed on 20 February 2008. NCMA has called on Government not to go ahead with its proposals to increase the annual registration fees for registered childminders and other registered providers by over 400 per cent.

NCMA has also responded to the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)'s consultation Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: Independent Safeguarding Authority.

You can read all of NCMA's latest consultation responses by visiting the "news and press" section of www.ncma.org.uk.

PEAL good practice

The Parents, Early Years and Learning (PEAL) project aims to help childcarers find out why it's important for parents to play a part in their children's learning, and offer ideas about how this can work in practice. The PEAL project is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and NCMA is a project partner.

The PEAL project has now published some good practice guides relating to home-based childcare to support and complement PEAL training.

Free leaflets

Remember that NCMA offers a range of free leaflets and resources for childminders, nannies, parents and other organisations. The leaflets can be downloaded direct from our website, or ordered using the form on the site. For more information, visit www.ncma.org.uk.

A good start

A good practice case study

With the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) this September, we hear about how Ealing Council and NCMA are working together to ensure that childminders are prepared, and hear from one childminder who is feeling really positive about the new framework.  

Ealing Council is working in partnership with NCMA to deliver EYFS training to local childminders. The course, Introduction to the EYFS, is available over two Saturdays or four Monday nights, allowing childminders to choose the times that will suit them best. 

Eula is also optimistic about the EYFS, as she explains, “I’m looking forward to the EYFS - it will be really interesting. I find working as a childminder easier if I’ve planned all my activities for the week in advance. Even if we don’t get around to doing everything, it helps me get organised.” 

She also feels that the EYFS will be beneficial for children, “I think the children will know what’s happening, and it will be good that different settings will be working on the same thing. For example I could drop a child off at school, and they’ll be doing the same thing we are at home.”

If you would like to find out more about EYFS training opportunities in your area, then you can get in touch with your NCMA regional office. Visit www.ncma.org.uk for details. Alternatively, you can contact Childcarelink on 0800 096 0296. They will be able to give you details of your local early years team.