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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New early years inspection service providers
All early years and childcare providers who are registered with Ofsted have been informed that from 1 September 2010 the day-to-day inspection and registration visits of early years providers have transferred to Tribal Group Plc and Prospects Services Ltd. The majority of inspectors who carry out the visits will have transferred from Ofsted. All inspectors have good expertise and strong knowledge of early years. Ofsted expects any new inspectors to be highly experienced and well qualified for this work.
Ofsted will remain the main point of contact for general enquiries about registration, inspection, compliance, enforcement, complaints, fees and all other enquiries relating to early years.
The document, Working with Early Years Inspection Service Providers, is available on the Ofsted website at: www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/20100018
Posted 3rd November 2010 |
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DCMA AGM and Training Day
We are holding our AGM and Training Day at the Cowick Barton Inn, Exeter on Saturday 6th November.
You can choose to attend one of two workshops; Assertiveness or Children's Rights
The training day includes refreshments and a buffet, all of this is free to members.
For more information or to book your place contact Janet at our Administration Office on 01752 202059
Posted 13th October 2010 |
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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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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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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 Posted 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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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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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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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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Childminding; a passion to be outstanding
This is a new publication from Ofsted looking at what it means for childminders to be outstanding. It includes good practice, extracts from childminder Self Evaluation Forms and concludes with 10 question for childminders to consider when reflecting.
You can download the publication here
Posted 9th October 2009
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WHO alert level raised to 6 The World Health Organisation has increased its influenza pandemic alert level to 6. This means that there is now evidence of increased and sustained human-to-human transmission of the swine flu virus across a number of global regions. What does this mean for the UK? Within the UK we are beginning to see signs of sustained transmission of the virus within the community. There are now 806 confirmed UK cases and we can expect the numbers to increase steadily over the next few weeks and months, boosted by the onset of the autumn/winter when flu viruses spread more readily. We cannot yet be certain how many people will be affected by the virus, but it appears that children under the age of 16 are more likely to catch it. Virtually all the cases in the UK so far have been mild. The UK is well prepared for dealing with a pandemic. We have good stocks of anti-viral drugs for treating flu and from the autumn we shall have access to a vaccine. What does this mean for children’s services? All children’s services, including schools, group early-years and childcare settings and children’s social care should continue to operate as normal, while remaining alert to any child exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Any child or member of staff who may have flu should stay at home and medical advice should be sought. There may be circumstances where local health authorities advise individual schools and early-years and childcare settings to close temporarily in order to contain the spread of infection or because there are high numbers of swine flu cases among pupils and/or staff. Unless they are advised to close on health grounds or unless the school or setting judges there are too few staff to guarantee pupil safety, schools and nurseries should plan on staying open. Schools, group early-years and childcare settings, and managers of children’s services, should all now urgently review their emergency contingency plans. Key messages for schools and group early-years and childcare settings Key points for schools, group early-years and childcare settings are: • Ensure parents’ and carers’
contact details are up to date Full guidance and Q & A from the Department can be accessed at the teachernet website. The school holidays School holiday activities for children and young people should continue as normal this summer but parents and the organisers of activities should be alert. Any child presenting flu-like symptoms should return home as soon as possible, contact - but not visit - their GP and seek treatment. Group early-years and childcare and childminder arrangements should likewise continue operating as normal during the holidays. Reopening schools and early-years and childcare settings after the holidays The health authorities will be monitoring the spread of infection closely over the summer. Schools and group early-years and childcare settings should assume that they will re-open as usual at the start of the autumn term. There may be circumstances where local health authorities advise a later re-opening date for some schools, for example if there is a high rate of infection in a particular area. Local authorities should ensure they have out of hours contact details for all schools and group early-years and childcare settings in their areas in case there is any question of a delayed start to the autumn term. In general however we expect the vast majority of schools to return after the holidays at the beginning of term. We are not expecting the Government to advise mass school closures because this would only be considered in the event of a severe pandemic. Posted 3rd July, 2009
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DCMA Conference Healthy Lifestyles Saturday 21st November 2009 9.30am - 4pm Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter, Devon Open to childminders, parents, grandparents, individuals and organisations Workshops to include:
Guest Speaker:
For futher information see our Conference Flyer, to reserve your place complete and return our Booking Form.
Posted 30th September 2009 |
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Ofsted revise complaints commitment
From May 2009 Ofsted are revising their complaints commitment to ensure parents and carers have the most up to date information about providers.
Ofsted's commitment means they will: Publish new completing information on the website, separate from inspection reports as soon as they have completed an investigation
Continue to publish information relating to complaints, made against childminders or childcare providers, only in circumstances where Ofsted or the provider, take action to meet the legal requirements of registration
Publish historic information about complaints received since a provider's last inspection where Ofsted or the provider took action to meet legal requirements.
Remove complaints information from the website five years after the closure of the complaint investigation
In addition information about complaints received prior to a providers last inspection, will remain accessible in the last inspection report. This is to ensure parents and carers can access a full history of complaint information. Ofsted will make complaints information available on request to people who are unable to access the website either in writing or over the telephone.
Any questions about Ofsted's complaint commitment ring 08456 404040.
Posted 27th April, 2009 |
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Ofsted revise complaints commitment
From May 2009 Ofsted are revising their complaints commitment to ensure parents and carers have the most up to date information about providers.
Ofsted's commitment means they will: Publish new completing information on the website, separate from inspection reports as soon as they have completed an investigation
Continue to publish information relating to complaints, made against childminders or childcare providers, only in circumstances where Ofsted or the provider, take action to meet the legal requirements of registration
Publish historic information about complaints received since a provider's last inspection where Ofsted or the provider took action to meet legal requirements.
Remove complaints information from the website five years after the closure of the complaint investigation
In addition information about complaints received prior to a providers last inspection, will remain accessible in the last inspection report. This is to ensure parents and carers can access a full history of complaint information. Ofsted will make complaints information available on request to people who are unable to access the website either in writing or over the telephone.
Any questions about Ofsted's complaint commitment ring 08456 404040.
Posted 27th April, 2009 |
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'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.
This is a method of contact during emergency situations.
Many people have mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory.
If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. All you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' (In Case Of Emergency).
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc.
Posted 27th February, 2009
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The new HM Revenue and Customs self assessment deadline is just weeks away. 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 |
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The Early Years Foundation Stage Welfare Requirements page 51 states:
(extracted) Each Childminder may care for:
*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 DCSF
Posted 8th July 2008
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Following the Government consultation ‘Childcare Act 2006:
Future Approach to Fees and Subsidies’ on the introduction of fees for childcare
registration, the voice of Childcarers has been heard. The new fees are as
follows:
- Band 1: Childminders
- Band 2: Other provision not captured by band 1 or 3 (likely to include sessional / after school care operating reduced days or term/holiday time only
- Band 3: Provision operating for at least 45 weeks per year AND at least 5 days per week AND at least 3 hours per day. This will cover full day care and out of school care operating all the year round
Posted 18th June 2008
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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
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Ofsted changes to registration |
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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
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DCMA Respond to Childcare Act 2006 Future approach to fees and subsidies |
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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
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DCMA Paediatric First Aid Courses |
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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
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DCMA Wild About Childminding Conference 2007 |
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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
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Children's Stars of 2007 |
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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.
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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
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Approved CACHE Centre status for DCMA |
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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
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DCMA Childminding Network re-approval news |
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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
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The
conference is being supported with Lottery funding
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