News - Archive

Childcare providers alerted to childcare scam

Durham County Council’s trading standards and childcare officers are warning of a new bank scam which targets childminders. They were alerted to the problem after a local childminder reported the scam that threatened to leave her two thousand pounds out of pocket.  They are aware of at least two other instances of similar incidents in southern England.

Childcare Costs Survey 2008 published

The Childcare Costs Survey of childcare costs in England, Wales and Scotland 2008 has been published by the Daycare Trust and can be downloaded from their website.  

Criminal Check Prices Frozen Again

The cost of Criminal Records Bureau checks has been frozen for the second year running.
The checks, which provide criminal record information so that organisations can decide whether candidates are suitable for work involving children and vulnerable adults, are free for volunteers, but standard checks cost up to £36 for paid staff.

Concerns for Child Health over high salt content in sweet foods

Many sweet foods popular with children contain potentially dangerous levels of salt which could put their health at risk, a campaign group warns today. Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) said new research had found salt in desserts, sweet drinks and snacks of which parents were likely to be unaware.

Want the opportunity to give your views?

Ofsted have put a new consultation section on their website which includes a list of all current consultations. 

To find out more about any of the topics below click on the headline above

Children's Plan launched

Apply online to join the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register

Have your say! Ofsted is keen to know your views on its current proposals on:

Inspecting Early Years provision from September 2008

Publishing more information on all childcare providers

Future increased fees for registration

Publications from the NCMA and the Daycare Trust

Keeping safe The NSPCC and CAPT have both recently produced leaflets on child safety. CAPT has also produced a home safety pack.

Good Toy Guide

Food - find out more about changes to baby formula and about additives in food

To find out more on the following items click on 'Changes on the way' above.

Childcare Registration fees increase from September
Following a consultation, DfES is proceeding with an increase to registration fees. This means that all applications received and annual fees which become due on or after 3 September 2007 will be charged at the new rates. 

Early Years Foundation Stage coming soon – find out more!
The new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a single quality framework for children from birth to the end of their Reception year. It brings together the Birth to Three Matters framework, the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage and the National Standards for Under 8s Day Care and Childminding. From September 2008 it will be mandatory for all early years providers including maintained schools, non-maintained schools, independent schools and all childcare registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register. 

Northumberland Childminders - conference on EYFS 13 October

Smokefree laws and childminders

From 1 July 2007 it will be illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England from 1 July 2007. As childminders and nannies work in domestic premises, the law may apply differently in some circumstances. To find out more click on 'Changes on the way' above

NDNA lauches survey to find out about nurseries' experiences of childcare vouchers 

The NDNA have launched a short online survey to invite nurseries to share their experience of childcare vouchers. 

Join the biggest pre-school event in the UK - Barnardo's Big Toddle.