Childcare in short supply

Jun 16 2009 by Robert Weatherall, The Journal

PARENTS in the region are being warned that there could be a childcare drought this summer as thousands of child minders leave the profession.

As summer holidays approach and parents start to think about where their children will spend time when they are at work, warnings are being issued that it is becoming more difficult than ever to find a place with a child minder. It is claimed that thousands of trained child minders are being driven out the of the profession because of increased Government bureaucracy.

Last year the Government introduced the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) aimed at ensuring that pre-school children receive some form of education. Child minders, which are inspected by Ofsted, must follow regulations on provision of learning and development. They must then mark children’s development against 13 different assessments.

The idea of the EYFS is that when children start school teachers will have an idea of what they are capable of. But critics of the scheme argue the assessments are viewed by child minders, most of which are self employed, as an un-needed level of paperwork.

Annette Brooke MP, Liberal Democrat Children and Families Spokeswoman, said: “The Government’s bureaucratic approach to pre-school care is causing child minders to turn away from the profession. As we approach the summer holidays, it is going to be a real struggle for hard-pressed parents to find good, affordable childcare.

“Childcare costs have spiraled over recent years and there is a risk that the drop in the number of child minders is going to drive up costs even further. We already have the farcical situation where some parents find they are better off giving up work rather than forking out for expensive childcare.”

Figures show that the number of childcare places available in the North between September 2006 and August 2008 fell by 2,000 with 500 child minders giving up work. 100 of those child minders quit the profession just before the new regulations came into force.

Hexham-based child minder Susanna Dawson, 42, has been in the profession for 14 years. Susanna, chairwoman of the National Childminding Association, said: “Some child minders feel the Government is telling them what to do. I think it can always be the same when there is a change in regulations and some people will decide to leave. We are not against the EYFS but support must be in place for child minders.”