The MP for South West Norfolk had been making waves about deregulation of childcare for some time when her ideas for shaking up childminding went public to no little consternation.
Ms Truss advocated an agency model of regulation rather than Ofsted inspection for childminders, as well as allowing home childcarers to look after up to five under-fives. This, she said, would increase availability and affordability of childcare.
Cue outrage from childminders, many of whom have worked to raise quality and professionalism, and believed that this sort of change could only be to the detriment of all concerned.
Well, now Ms Truss has taken over the reins, we shall see at first hand how her thinking is developing, and she will have the chance to persuade the early years sector that she is a force for good. Her role in the Childcare Commission will be of great interest, as this was led by Sarah Teather and Maria Miller (one gone, the other moved), and Ms Truss will now be leading it along with minister for pensions, Steve Webb. MsTeather had reassured the NDNA conference that the commission would not be taking retrograde steps, but will not now be seeing this through.
Ms Truss has at least taken an interest in childcare before her appointment, and those lobbying for the sector will be keen to build a good working relationship. Her position is more junior than Sarah Teather's was. Is this an indication that early years has moved down the pecking order? The more senior role of David Laws could be crucial in determining that.
