I was very interested to read the article regarding support for childcare providers in helping a child going through bereavement.
Recently, a three-year-old boy in my setting lost his mother to cancer.
As a qualified professional childminder of 25 years, I was able to draw on my extensive experience of caring for children to support both him and his family. However, I really struggled to find any external support or training to help me through this process, despite contacting a number of agencies.
I really welcome the campaign to increase awareness about the support available, and urge other childminders and childcare professionals to make the most of and share this support.
Lorraine Trusty, registered childminder and member of National Childminding Association, Kent
Departure of UKYP chief
It is a great shame to read of Andy Hamflett's departure as chief executive of the UK Youth Parliament. Andy has turned what was little more than a good idea five years ago into a high-profile and influential voice for young people. Who would have thought we would ever see young people sitting in the House of Commons? The UKYP is clearly facing an uncertain future, which will undoubtedly be harder without Andy's excellent leadership.
I hope they succeed.
Adam Nichols, chief executive, Changemakers
Young offender academies
Some might say that discussing what type of custody we want for children is like discussing what kind of rain we would like at a picnic.
While there appear to be some clear advantages to the development of local institutions as an alternative to existing young offender institutions, the development of young offender academies is not problem-free.
Unfortunately, UK administrations have a history of introducing new forms of custody without rigorous assessment as to their effectiveness; for example, the secure training centre.
Second, all too often, making custody appear more benign, therapeutic and less nakedly punitive results in the institution attracting recruits who would have been dealt with otherwise.
The proposal is an interesting idea but it needs to be handled with care. Hopefully these institutions could be constructed from quickly dismantled materials, indicating their temporary nature in the penal landscape, as testimony to their faith in the declining need to lock up the children of the disadvantaged sections of society.
Dr Richard Hester, director of health and social care, and Rod Earle, lecturer in youth justice, The Open University
Email cypnow@haymarket.com or write to The editor, CYP Now, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP
