Opinion: Letters

A WORLD CLASS EVENT

I recently attended the World Forum on Early Care and Education, held in Belfast (News, 25 June).

Like your reporters, I also felt privileged to be a part of this global gathering of early years practitioners. It was an extremely full programme. The quality and breadth of content, the high profile of presenters and the warmest of welcomes from the Northern Ireland Early Years department, all made this a memorable and inspiring event. It was an opportunity to lift our sights above our day-to-day routine and to feel a part of a worldwide commitment to make a difference in the lives of children.

The only disappointment was the poor representation of UK childcarers. Belfast was really not too far to go. Maybe everyone was waiting for a more exotic location to be announced for the next forum in 2011!

I would encourage everyone to check out the World Forum Foundation website, www.worldforumfoundation.org, to find out more about the ongoing activities and how to get involved.

Anna Wright, owner, Paint Pots Nurseries, Southampton

STUDYING FATHERS

In response to Karen Faux's article 'What fathers want' (Nursery World, 9 July), we wish to offer a few brief thoughts.

While recent partnership research conducted by the University of Derby and the Pre-school Learning Alliance indicated that some fathers felt 'intimidated' by settings and staff, there were many instances of very positive and inspirational practice towards engaging dads.

We would also agree with Mr Neville in the article that 'it's more than putting up a poster', and would further suggest that settings may need to make space to unpick through discussion what the whole father question means for them - initially for staff, but also for mothers and fathers.

Alongside specific activities, our exploratory research, which looked at everyday practice and associated background considerations in engaging fathers, may illuminate some of the above issues. It can be seen at www.derby.ac.uk/ehs/earlyyearsresearch.

Andrew Sanders, University of Derby, and Tim Kahn, Pre-school Learning Alliance

FLEXIBLE ON STAFF

I take issue with a statement by Alan Bentley ('To the point', 28 May). He states that 'Seeking to offer flexi-time to nursery staff involves accepting that children looked after by such staff are not really getting the best childcare possible'.

What evidence does he base his statement on?

Parents seeking flexi-time are often the better organised, better motivated employees, providing quality work. As a parent looking for childcare I would seek out settings with quality, motivated staff, and it is irrelevant whether they work full-time or part-time. Quality, not quantity is important.

Alma Belles, Bwlchgwyn, Wales

SOFTWARE SATISFIED

I would like to give some positive feedback about managing parental debts.

Nursery World's supplement Nursery Management (Autumn 2008) included a feature on nursery software. I was in the process of opening my first nursery, so I contacted the companies listed and eventually chose Instant Nursery Manager from datamove, based on the price and because they don't operate a premium rate support phone service.

Now I easily produce fully itemised invoices and send these direct to parents at home or to social services. Nursery education funding deductions are made automatically once set up, and I can also produce registers, milk reports, accident reports and credit control sheets. Parents have confidence in my invoices, and - touch wood - payment is made on time.

There is a useful feature to forecast occupancy, which helps me plan for sustainability. I can also manage a waiting list to ensure that every parent who wants a place can have one at the earliest opportunity.

Janice Dewdney, director, Best Practice Childcare, Magic Rocket Day Nursery, Kingswood, Buckinghamshire

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