www.surestart.gov.uk/publications
/?Document=1500
Chapter 4 is dedicated to Childminding and includes examples of different types of Childminding Networks that have been piloted around the country.
In April 2006, Bromley Early Years informed childcare providers in a letter:
‘The Sure Start Unit of the DfES announced in February 2005 that Bromley would be required to develop a further 13 Children’s Centres in Phase 2. There will be 3 Phases of a programme to develop a Children’s Centre in every neighbourhood by 2010. In Phase 1, we opened our first Children’s Centre at Community Vision in Penge and we are aiming to have two more Centres at Blenheim and James Dixon Primary Schools by the summer.
Proposed Children’s Centre Locations being considered by the Children & Young People Policy Development & Scrutiny Committee, 19 April 2006.
Centres serving areas of disadvantage
Churchfields Primary School
Marian Vian Primary School
Burnt Ash Primary School
Castlecombe Primary School
Princes Plain Primary School
St Mary Cray Primary School
All other locations
Darrick Wood Primary School
The Link Youth Centre
The Highway Primary School
Alexandra Infant School
Pickhurst Infant & Junior School
Biggin Hill
Bickley Primary School/Phoenix Children’s Resource Centre’
The Ten Year Childcare Strategy
In April 2006 the Government published a document: “Choice for parents, the best start for children: making it happen. An action plan for the ten year strategy: Sure Start Childrens’ Centres, Extended Schools and Childcare.”
The main parts of interest to childminders are:
Page 80 All early years childminders will be part of a network linked to a school or to a Sure Start Centre by 2010.
Page 55 4.15 We will support the diverse range of early years settings to implement the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) effectively. This will include a specific document to support childminders, building on the existing Thinking About Childminding Leaflet. Childminders will often have a primary childcare role for children between birth and 3, and will continue to be key in delivering the EYFS. As children reach the age of 3 interaction with their peers becomes increasingly important, and most children should have access to learning and development in group settings. Childminders will continue to have a crucial role to play in partnership with those settings. Just as good parents do, they will be able to pick up on the themes covered during the day, offering one to one support and a chance for a quieter reflection.
Page 55 4.16 In some rural areas, childminders can be the sole providers of care
and education for 3 and 4 year olds. In these cases it will be especially important
for local authorities to support childminders to work together in local networks,
and to offer them opportunities for learning and development, to ensure that children
have a rounded and high quality experience in the run-
The full document is available to download from the Sure Start website:
www.surestart.gov.uk/_doc/P0002093.pdf
If childminders are interested in finding out more about what is involved in joining a Childminding network: www.ncmaccf.org.uk/
Why do Parents want to use Childcare Vouchers?
Tax and National Insurance savings. A Parent could save £916 per year if they elect to take £55 per week with Childcare Vouchers and are a standard rate tax payer. If they are a higher rate tax payer they could save up to £1,195 per year.
What are the benefits to me as a Childminder?
It will enable you to work for parents using the Childcare Voucher Scheme
You will be guaranteed payment of up to £55 per week directly from the Voucher Company, normally paid directly into your Bank Account.
Childcare Vouchers
Paper Childcare Vouchers can be used to pay for childcare just like cash as the parent
has converted salary directly into vouchers to make Tax and NI savings.
Childcare Vouchers Direct is an alternative to paper vouchers and enables parents to authorise payments to their chosen carer using a simple, quick and efficient electronic account. Parents can initiate payments either by telephone or a secure internet site. They are exactly the same as any other payment that is transferred directly into your bank account.
Both schemes offer a simple and efficient payment method for childcare providers.
HM Revenue and Customs : Employer Supported Childcare A short Guide for Carers: www.childcarevouchers.co.uk/resources/
hm+revenue+short+guide+for+carers.pdf
The most commonly used companies for Childcare Vouchers.
Accor
Busy Bees
Fideliti
Early Years Vouchers Limited
www.childcare-
Sodexho
www.sodexhopass.co.uk/
Childcare/Childcare.asp
SmithMartin Partnership LLP www.smithmartinpartnership.com/
gpage.html7.html
Care4
Daisies www.daisiesvouchers.com/parents.html
Childcare options www.childcareoptions.btinternet.co.uk
Allsave Ltd
Fair Care
Imagine Cooperative Childcare Vouchers www.childcarevouchers.coop
Children’s Centres
The following document is available from the Sure Start website
The practice guidance for Sure Start Children's Centres shows how Children's centres should be working towards a clear vision aimed at improving children's outcomes with a greater emphasis on outreach and home visiting.
Extended Schools
‘Policy into Practice, childcare and extended services –briefing for new and existing childcare providers’ is a document published by Sure Start and 4Children in April 2006
We know that many childminders are concerned about the development of Children's Centres and Extended Schools. On this page we will bring you up to date information on what is happening both Nationally and Locally
Download: Sample letter to parents