Recent Department for Education and Skills guidance to local authorities in England on their retained functions (Guidance: Care Standards Act 2000, Part 1V) reminds local authorities to inform childminders that Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) Number 4 (Paragraph 32) says, '...permission is not normally required where the use of a part of a dwelling-house for business purposes does not change the overall character of the property's use as a single dwelling. For example, the use by the householder of a room as an office or for childminding complying with the DfES's standard recommended ratios ... would not normally require planning permission'.
However, many planning departments are ignoring this guidance and making up their own rules as they go along. These local guidelines often have significant cost implications for childminders, and in some parts of England are deterring potential childminders from going forward with their registration. Even more worrying is the report of one planning officer, asserting that he doesn't believe a childcare activity like childminding should take place on domestic premises and will do everything he can to prevent it.
At the request of our members, the National Childminding Association (NCMA) has already raised planning as one of the key issues that Ofsted and the DfES need to tackle when they review the new Ofsted system early next year.
In the meantime, it would help us enormously if childminder readers of Nursery World could let us know when they are having difficulties with planning departments, so that we can present a full picture to the Government. This is an example where 'joined-up thinking' is long overdue.
We would appreciate readers' help. Please write to me at NCMA, 8 Masons Hill, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EY (marked 'Planning') or e-mail to info@ncma.org.uk.
Gill Haynes. Chief executive, NCMA.
