Draft guidance on childminding networks published

Under the Department for Children, Schools and Families' code of practice on the provision for free childcare, all local authorities are expected to establish a childminding network.
 
"A national scheme with standard criteria and principles will set consistent quality measures across the country," the report highlights.
 
The guidance, which was developed in partnership with the National Childminding Association (NCMA), suggests that networks should be open to all childminders who are registered with Ofsted, and that they should be able to move freely from one network to another.
 
NCMA joint chief executive Catherine Farrell said: "The benefits of networks for improving quality and supporting childminders with advice and training are widely recognised, and the NCMA wants to ensure that they are universally available."
 
It is also recommended that networks should operate in line with a more cost-effective "tiered model", whereby the level of support on offer would reflect the childminder's experience and qualifications.
 
"Initially, there would be more support available to new childminders; the more competent and experienced childminders will require less intensive support," the guidance states. 
 
Other measures advocated in the guidelines include flexibility for the network to adjust its services in line with local needs, and joined-up working with other local providers.
 
Farrell expressed NCMA's approval of the proposal to elect a network co-ordinator to provide leadership and management support. She was also "particularly pleased" about the recommendation that an external assessment and verification should be undertaken every three years to ensure network quality and effectiveness.
 
The need to establish a national framework for childminding networks was outlined in the DCSF Families and Relationships Green Paper, Support For All, in January. Feedback from local authorities helped to identify the issues among networks that needed to be tackled.
 
Too much paperwork and inflexibility of working partnerships with other children's services were two of the issues raised by local authorities.