Nursery World - Mixed reception for care standards guidance

Childminders have welcomed Ofsted's guidance to the national daycare standards for England, but nursery providers are concerned the standards may not be applied consistently across the country. Gill Haynes, chief executive of the National Childminding Association (NCMA), said she was glad the standards - to be introduced when Ofsted takes over regulation from local authorities in September - and the guidance were now being sent out to every provider. The guidance was 'clearly written and accessible, with lots of practical suggestions for new childminders', she said, adding that the guidance on caring for a child under 12 months showed Ofsted's awareness of childminders' expertise.

Gill Haynes, chief executive of the National Childminding Association (NCMA), said she was glad the standards - to be introduced when Ofsted takes over regulation from local authorities in September - and the guidance were now being sent out to every provider. The guidance was 'clearly written and accessible, with lots of practical suggestions for new childminders', she said, adding that the guidance on caring for a child under 12 months showed Ofsted's awareness of childminders' expertise.

Mrs Haynes stressed that the NCMA had not been involved in drafting the guidance relating to childminders being allowed to smoke in front of children in their care and smack them with parental consent. Since the Department for Education and Skills had set these standards, Ofsted had to produce guidance to accompany them. 'Who in their right mind is actually going to be entering into a written agreement, given the guidance Ofsted has put together?' she asked.

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