Post by angeldelight on Nov 23, 2007 19:12:20 GMT
Read this and see what you all think
They do want childminders to repsond if you look at the bottom of the page
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Childcare Act 2006: Future Approach to fees and subsidies - consultation
On 21 November 2007 the DCSF launched their consultation into a proposed new fees structure for the Early Years Register (EYR) and Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR). The government is seeking views on the following proposals for childminders:
To charge the same fee for both the voluntary and compulsory elements of the OCR, and for both new registrations and renewals;
To raise the fee for registering on the OCR to £103 as of September 2008;
To introduce gradual increases in registration fees for the EYR in 2008 and 2009 (to £25 and then £30) followed by a substantial increase in 2010 (to £100);
Those registering on both the OCR and EYR will only pay fees for the EYR;
Criminal Records Bureau checks will continue to be subsidised by Ofsted;
To utilise the savings that government will make by increasing the registration fees to provide additional resources to local authorities to provide grants and other assistance to early years providers, based on a local assessment of need.
The consultation notes that "…no proposed fee is more than approximately 1.5% of the mean net annual income for the relevant part of the sector…" and argues that a "simpler, fairer fees system… will provide a better balance between what childcare providers can afford to pay and support from the tax payer…".
NCMA is concerned that the new fees represent a significant new burden for childminders. An increase of 400 per cent for the EYR over three years and 686 per cent for the OCR over one year will come as a significant shock to childminders, half of whom earn less than £7000 per year. NCMA is particularly concerned that childminders currently caring for children aged 5-7 that will have little time to prepare for the higher OCR charges.
NCMA feels that this additional burden may undermine childminders' efforts to sustain their businesses, thereby hampering the government's aim to meet its target of increasing the availability and affordability of childcare – especially for hard-to-reach groups with whom childminders are particularly suited to working.
NCMA is not convinced that replacing discounted fees that apply to all providers with a new system of subsidies will benefit small businesses such as childminders. Larger businesses are better placed to bid for grants and aid, especially where they have dedicated administrators or managers able to pursue funds and meet officials. Childminders are often individuals working in their own home for whom running a business is secondary to their concern for the well-being of children and their relationship with the families with whom they work. NCMA is concerned that they may therefore miss out on the opportunities available.
NCMA will respond to the consultation in full before 20 February. Due to the importance of this consultation, we would urge all childminders to respond as well. The consultation can be seen online at www.dcsf.gov.uk
You can respond at online or in writing to:
Consultation Unit
Department for Children Schools and Families
Area 1A
Castle View House
East Lane
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 2GJ
or by e-mail to: Fees.CONSULTATION@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
.........................................................................................
You can find this information on the NCMA website I just could not get the link to work
Angel xx
They do want childminders to repsond if you look at the bottom of the page
...................................................................................................
Childcare Act 2006: Future Approach to fees and subsidies - consultation
On 21 November 2007 the DCSF launched their consultation into a proposed new fees structure for the Early Years Register (EYR) and Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR). The government is seeking views on the following proposals for childminders:
To charge the same fee for both the voluntary and compulsory elements of the OCR, and for both new registrations and renewals;
To raise the fee for registering on the OCR to £103 as of September 2008;
To introduce gradual increases in registration fees for the EYR in 2008 and 2009 (to £25 and then £30) followed by a substantial increase in 2010 (to £100);
Those registering on both the OCR and EYR will only pay fees for the EYR;
Criminal Records Bureau checks will continue to be subsidised by Ofsted;
To utilise the savings that government will make by increasing the registration fees to provide additional resources to local authorities to provide grants and other assistance to early years providers, based on a local assessment of need.
The consultation notes that "…no proposed fee is more than approximately 1.5% of the mean net annual income for the relevant part of the sector…" and argues that a "simpler, fairer fees system… will provide a better balance between what childcare providers can afford to pay and support from the tax payer…".
NCMA is concerned that the new fees represent a significant new burden for childminders. An increase of 400 per cent for the EYR over three years and 686 per cent for the OCR over one year will come as a significant shock to childminders, half of whom earn less than £7000 per year. NCMA is particularly concerned that childminders currently caring for children aged 5-7 that will have little time to prepare for the higher OCR charges.
NCMA feels that this additional burden may undermine childminders' efforts to sustain their businesses, thereby hampering the government's aim to meet its target of increasing the availability and affordability of childcare – especially for hard-to-reach groups with whom childminders are particularly suited to working.
NCMA is not convinced that replacing discounted fees that apply to all providers with a new system of subsidies will benefit small businesses such as childminders. Larger businesses are better placed to bid for grants and aid, especially where they have dedicated administrators or managers able to pursue funds and meet officials. Childminders are often individuals working in their own home for whom running a business is secondary to their concern for the well-being of children and their relationship with the families with whom they work. NCMA is concerned that they may therefore miss out on the opportunities available.
NCMA will respond to the consultation in full before 20 February. Due to the importance of this consultation, we would urge all childminders to respond as well. The consultation can be seen online at www.dcsf.gov.uk
You can respond at online or in writing to:
Consultation Unit
Department for Children Schools and Families
Area 1A
Castle View House
East Lane
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 2GJ
or by e-mail to: Fees.CONSULTATION@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
.........................................................................................
You can find this information on the NCMA website I just could not get the link to work
Angel xx