Children’s Minister Sarah Teather today asked Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children, to carry out a review of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) so that it is less bureaucratic and more focused on young children’s learning and development.
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Review of Early Years Foundation Stage
Ministers are concerned that the EYFS framework is currently too rigid and puts too many burdens on the Early Years workforce, which has led to some of the workforce saying they are spending less time with children, and more time ticking boxes.
The review will cover four main areas:
Children’s Minister Sarah Teather said: Through this review we want to hear about what is and isn’t working well in the EYFS. We also need to create a fairer and more flexible childcare market that is responsive to parents and the rising numbers of children in childcare settings.
The review of the EYFS will ensure that good quality early learning benefits all children, as the Government believes this can make a real difference to success in later life. It also has a more significant impact for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A final report will be produced in spring 2011. The Government will then consult on any proposed changes before they take effect from September 2012
Posted 6th July 2010 |
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DISC Website changes "This is the first stage in or transition to our own customised website. It allows much better area searches and you are no longer 3 miles from your location. It is not displaying all the information we would like such as qualifications or other information, but this is coming in the next stage" says Denise Callister, Information Officer DISC Devon's Family Information Service. Denise confirms that whilst information will still be displayed on the direct.gov website, DISC are no longer directing parents to it. DISC can be contacted on 0800 0563666 Posted 27th June 2010 |
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DCMA News Flash 15th June 2010 |
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Vetting and Barring Scheme Registration Halted
Registration with the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) has been halted to allow the government to remodel the scheme back to proportionate, common sense levels, it was announced today. Voluntary registration with the VBS for new employees and job-movers working or volunteering with children and vulnerable adults was due to start on 26 July. This registration has now been stopped. The government recognises that many businesses, community groups and individuals see the current scheme as disproportionate and overly burdensome, and that it unduly infringes on civil liberties. Posted 15th June 2010 |
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DCMA News Flash 31st March 2010 |
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New Parent Poster from Ofsted
This poster introduces Ofsted's childcare responsibilities. It explains that Ofsted registers and inspects childcare for children aged from birth to 17 years. Providers should display this poster. It features the new telephone number 0300 123 1231 To download your copy click here. Posted 31st March 2010 |
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DCMA News Flash 31st March 2010 |
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No regulation for unpaid childcare arrangements between friends
Unpaid childcare arrangements between friends will be legally exempt from Ofsted registration and inspection under new legislation announced by the Government. Children's Minister Dawn Primarolo welcomed the move which will mean that from April 2010, friends caring for one another's children without payment are no longer included within the remit of Ofsted.
Dawn Primarolo said: "I am pleased that following a positive response to our consultation, and overwhelming public support, friends supporting one another with unpaid childcare will be exempt from the registration and inspection process. This amendment has been made to ensure that hard-working parents are not penalised for supporting their friends with unpaid childcare.
Formal childcare from childminders, nurseries and children's centres across the country provides an invaluable service to millions of families. It is right that we ensure formal childcare is of the highest possible standard and that this is backed up by thorough inspections by Ofsted to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.
This move strikes the right balance between ensuring the quality and standards of formal childcare whilst protecting informal arrangements between friends."
The amendment to an Order under the Childcare Act 2006 will be supported by revised Ofsted guidance which will highlight where and when childcare arrangements are considered to be formal and within their inspection remit.
The Government is clear that the amendment does not affect the tens of thousands of professional childminders who provide a valuable service to parents Posted 31st March 2010 |
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DCMA News Flash 1st December 2009 |
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Vetting and Barring - Information update
It is important that you are updated with regards to the new Vetting and Barring Scheme to be introduced in 2010.
Registration on the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) with the Independant Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will be phased in over a 5 year period.
Part of the process for ISA registration includes an application for an enhanced CRB disclosure.
From July 2010 to March 2011 ISA registrations will only be for new Ofsted registered childcare providers, new childcare employees and new childminders and other household members, aged 16 and over, in childminding premises.
From April 2011 registrations will additionally begin for the existing workforce and existing childminder household members, but given the volume of ISA registrations needed these will be phased in gradually.
Once registrations for the scheme starts in July next year, DCSF intend, subject to any future review of fees policy, to subsidise the total cost of ISA registration (£64 per person) for new Ofsted registered childcare provision, new childcare employees, new childminders and other household members, aged 16 and over, in childminding premises.
DCSF are also planning to subsidise the total cost of ISA registration from April 2011 for existing provision.
ISA costs will be subsidised by DCSF, but this policy will continue to be kept under review.
Posted 1st December 2009 |
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DCMA News Flash 6th March 2010 |
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Food Safety Awareness and Risk Assessment Training
Devon Child Minding Association has received funding from Well Uk to deliver both Food Safety Awareness and Risk Assessment Training in the home-based setting. This training is being held in five locations within Devon and is free to anyone 19 years old or over. Places are booked on a 'first come - first served' basis. Posted 6th March 2010 |
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DCMA News Flash 9th October 2009 |
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Safer Food Better Business Childminder Pack
The Food Safety Agency has developed the Childminders pack for registered childminders or childcarers on domestic premises, who provide meals and drinks for the children in their care and who now have to register with the local authority.
The aim was to provide a simple and easy to use aid for childminders to enable them to show the food they prepare for children and babies is safe to eat.
It provides relevant information through safe methods for basic good food hygiene, a diary section with a 3 monthly review and an Action sheet for simple record keeping. To obtain a free copy of this pack, please contact the Food Safety Agency publications line on 0845 606 0667 or by email at foodstandards@ecgroup.co.uk Posted 9th October 2009 |
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