HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to anyone filing a Self Assessment tax return this year - there's now a new 31 October deadline for paper returns, and it's only weeks away.

Previously, both paper and online Self Assessment tax returns had to be filed by 31 January. But from this year, paper returns must be with HMRC by 31 October, or you could face a £100 penalty. The deadline for filing online returns remains 31 January.

The  £15,000 limit on income has been raised to £30,000.  So for all those earning £15,000 or more but less than £30,000 turnover (gross income) you do not need to submit full accounts.  You are able to continue to use DCMA's Financial Record and Attendance Book, calculate your three lined statement at the end of the book and transfer these amounts onto your self assessment return.

Posted 9th September 2008

The Early Years Foundation Stage Welfare Requirements page 51 states:

(extracted)

Each Childminder may care for:

a maximum of six children under the age of eight:
of these six children, a maximum of three may be young children*, however where four- and five-year-old children only attend the childminding setting before and/or after a normal school day, they may be classed as children over the age of five for the purposes of the adult:child ratio.

*A child is a young child up until 1st September following his or her fifth birthday.

There has been much debate in childminding circles about this issue, how it will adversely affect children presently being cared for and those waiting to join in September.  

Having listened to childminders concerned DCMA approached the DCSF and this is their official response:

Dear Ms McCoy,

Thank you for your email of 23 May about the Early Years Foundation Stage.  Your correspondence has been allocated the reference number 2008/0045162 and I have been asked to reply.

I should explain that where four and five year olds attend school full-time and only attend the childminding setting before and after the school day, they can be counted as children over the age of five for the purposes of the ratio requirements.  These children may also be counted as children over the age of five during the school holidays.

Yours sincerely

Miss Carla Spink

Public Communication Unit

Posted 8th July 2008

Posted 18th June 2008

Tina and Sarah Webb of Plymouth arranged a special outing to Paignton Zoo to take part in the Big Toddle.  

The children entered into the spirit by sporting fancy dress animal costumes borrowed from the DCMA Toy Library.

Posted: 16th July 2008

Children in Honicknowle raised money for Happy Days Children's Charity by jumping on a trampoline, bouncy castle, space hoppers and skipping ropes in the garden of their childminders, Josephine and Trevor Keith. 

Posted: 18th June 2008 

Torquay Childminders and their children toddled for half a mile with their friends, parents and childminders in fancy dress to raise money for Barnardo’s.  

   Posted: 18th June 2008

Ofsted are launching two new childcare registers on the 1st September;

The Early Years Register

Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR)

Ofsted have produced a document to explain the new arrangements for registration which also highlights exemptions to registration.

Ofsted are sending letters to all registered Childcarers to advise on the changes that are happening on the 1st September 2008.  You can access those letters below:

Those caring for children who have not yet reached the 1 September following their 5th birthday are obliged to register on the new Early Years Register.

Those caring for children aged 5 to 7 years must register on the Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR)

Those caring for children aged 8 or over may choose to register on the OCR.

Also from 1 September registered childminders, where four or more people are working together to provide childcare will be counted as Childcare Providers and not Childminders.

                 Photograph by Neil Ewins                        Drawing by Jessica Stapleton

 Posted: 1st May 2008

DCMA have responded to the consultation on the Future approach to fees and subsidies.

Whilst DCMA agree that an increase in the fees and a reduction in the subsidy is accepted a stepped approach with equal increases over a longer period of time would have been more acceptable to those having the find the extra funds.

It was agreed that this system could be fairer and most effective but only if Local Authorities consult with other providers in the process.

 Posted: 25th January 2008

DCMA are pleased to announce the arrival of a Paediatric First Aid course aimed at Childminders, delivered by experienced and qualified DCMA staff.

The course fully complies with both the National Standards for Childminding and the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance being introduced September 2008.

The course has been designed to provide ample practical sessions dealing with choking children, resuscitation, recovery position incorporating a secondary survey, turning a casualty from the prone to supine position and dealing with vomiting during resuscitation.

Comments from those attending the course follows:

"First time I felt that I have learnt a lot from a first aid course."

"Had a chance to ask questions and they were answered so I understood them."

"Very good hands on approach."

"Presented very well, easy to ask questions and not intimidating, Good practical course."

 "Really enjoyed the course and have learnt a lot.  Excellent presentation/teaching.  Relaxed atmosphere and unthreatening assessment."

 Posted: 9th December 2007

DCMA celebrated 21 years of childminding providing information, advice, support and training on the 22nd September 2007 at Sandy Park, Exeter with a 'Wild About Childminding' Conference.

The delegates were treated to various workshops including:

          Surfing the Beach

          Small Animal Shelters

          Out of School Play

          Music

          Listen to us!

          Not too young to grieve

          and Sharpen Your Professional Edge.  

The Day closed with an enjoyable and enthusiastic session by Peter Lockey from Puppets by Post.

  Funded by Awards for All                                            

Posted: 22nd September 2007

DCMA were one of two finalists for the Childcare Team of the Year Award 2007.   

Anne Longfield, Chief Executive of 4Children said: "The 4Children Children's Stars awards are extremely important and are really the BAFTA's of the world of children and young people services.  

With more high quality nominations then ever before, it has been a very difficult decision for our judges".  

A delegation of 4 experienced DCMA team members traveled to London on the 28th June to represent the whole team. They were interviewed by a panel of Judges and were competing for the title alongside Smallworld Nursery from Scotland.

Smallworld Nursery won the title Childcare Team of the Year.

DCMA were presented with their Finalist Award and some lovely bunches of flowers.  

Anthea McCoy said "Being nominated for this award is fantastic and our team of 13 are really pleased to be recognised nationally for the work we do.  Also coming in our 21st year makes it even more special to us.  

We had the great pleasure of meeting the Smallworld Nursery team at the Awards Presentation Dinner and spending most of the evening with them, we are really pleased for them"

2007 was the eleventh Children's Stars Awards and was hosted by 4Children.

Posted 30th June 2007

As an approved CACHE centre DCMA is able to offer the Diploma in Home-based Childcare.

Upon approval the Cache Centre Advisor reported:

"The staff are very well qualified and experienced in the area of Childminding.  Three smaller teams of Tutors/Moderators across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay create a whole team, under the Centre name of Devon Child Minding Association, which is a charity registered organisation.

There are excellent staff training records maintained and evidence of policies, procedures and documentation in place to offer the DHC (Diploma in Home-based Childcare) with integrity and professionalism."

Posted 24th June 2007

The National Childminding Association (NCMA) have recently re-approved DCMA's Childminding Network.   To find out more about Childminding Networks click Childminding Network

The NCMA Assessor reported that:

The Devon Childminding Network is forward thinking. Every opportunity is taken to develop the service for families.  The main strength of the Network is undoubtedly the strong relationships that exist between the Manager and the nine Co-Ordinators. There is a good team approach, and clear evidence of working together to ensure that the Network provides a high quality service to those who use it.   Co-Ordinators are well supported through a clear management structure.

High standards are expected from all childminders involved with the Network.  Initial assessments are thorough and detailed.  Training has a very high priority for the Network.  Childminders are encouraged to further their knowledge and work towards gaining higher qualifications, ably supported by the Co-Ordinators.

Very positive comment were received from parents who use the service.

Posted 30th April 2007