The scheme has been proposed in a consultation paper, Early Years and Childcare Regulation. At present care for over-eights is not regulated under the Children Act, and the Government fears that unscrupulous people might choose to work only with older children in order to avoid checks.
The principal aim of the certification scheme, to be administered by Ofsted, would be to ensure that anyone working with older children was suitable to do so. It would apply to those caring for children aged eight to 15, or to 17 for children who have disabilities or special educational needs.
The scheme would be based on the first of the national standards for daycare and childminding for under-eights, the 'suitable person' standard, and the supporting criteria. The Government is currently consulting on the range of checks and requirements that Ofsted should carry out to assess suitability. These could include checking criminal record through the Criminal Records Bureau, medical records and qualifications.
A Kids' Clubs Network spokesman welcomed the measures, but said they needed to go further 'to provide a vibrant and structured framework for the development of quality mechanisms and quality assurance for childcare for older children. This is a crucial service for children and families, which deserves to be of the highest quality.'
The consultation is also seeking views on regulating childcare facilities in independent and maintained schools. The consultation paper (ref 0228/2002) is available from the DfES on 0845 602 2260 or the DfES website at www.dfes.gov.uk/daycare.
Responses must be sent by 24 May to the Consultation Unit, DfES, Level 1B, Castle View House, East Lane, Runcorn WA7 2GJ or e-mail childcare.CONSULTATION@dfes.gsi.gov.uk.
