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The 2011 survey is out and it looks like part-time nannies are reaping the rewards.

Read the full article here:

http://www.nannytax.co.uk/parents/employment-costs/the-nannytax-wages-survey/survey-2011

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8934429/4m-children-in-UK-do-not-own-a-single-book-study-finds.html

This horrifying news story appeared in the Daily Telegraph  (5th December 2011). A study by the National Literacy Trust has found that as many as 4 million children in the UK, that's one in every three children, does not own at least one book.

As an organisation focused on childcare, BAPN understand the importance of early years reading in helping children to discover the wonders of books and literacy. With the ability to read, children gain access to the amazing worlds within the pages.We cannot imagine a child who has never read the Gruffalo, Peter Rabbit or The Hungry Caterpillar.

The learning opportunities being missed by these children is heartbreaking.  BAPN would like to challenge our members (who we know are smart, imaginative and  inspirational), to take up this issue and to try to help with this problem. Maybe you could ask your employers and their friends whether they have any old, unwanted childrens books that you could collect. These could be donated to local or national charities who could redistribute them to the children who need them. Or perhaps you could speak to your local council and find out how best to help. And of course, don't forget to spend a few minutes a day with your charges lost in the delights of a book.

The review, to be led by Professor Cathy Nutbrown from the University of Sheffield, an expert in early childhood education, will look at the content of early years and childcare qualifications and training courses to improve the skills, knowledge and experience of early years professionals. It will focus on the qualities needed to ensure that young children receive the best-quality pre-school education, and on improving the confidence, knowledge and skills of people who work with families on all aspects of children’s development.

Professor Nutbrown's review will look at:

• The content of early years and childcare qualifications and training courses to improve the skills, knowledge and experience of early years professionals.
• Career progression and motivation in the early years workforce.
• The development of a range of qualifications to meet the needs of all professionals, at every stage of their career.
• The high standards and quality needed to meet the needs of children, families, workers and employers in the early years sector.
• Raising the status of early education and childcare.

The Government said the review was being undertaken to strengthen the training, qualifications and career opportunities of people working in early education and childcare. It is part of a range of measures to improve early years education and childcare, especially for disadvantaged young children.

The review runs until 23 December. BAPN will be giving evidence, so please email us at info@bapn.org.uk if you would like your views included.

The call for evidence is on the Department for Education website: http://www.education.gov.uk/nutbrownreview
 

BAPN was invited to meet with the Department of Education last month to discuss ways to improve the Ofsted voluntary register. BAPN met with the DFE earlier in the year and as a result of that meeting, were asked to attend another meeting about the VOR.

The Education Select Committee asked for a review of the register and the DFE has been meeting with the Childcare sector, to discuss ways to improve the current system.

BAPN welcome the review, as the VOR as it stands gives parents a false sense of security that the nannies on the register have been fully checked out.

More on this story will be in our newsletter.

Matching parents with nannies at the click of a button is compromising children’s safety, according to the Association of Nanny Agencies (ANA).

Over the last year there has been a sharp rise in the number of online nanny directories springing up on the internet, offering parents and nannies free and easy access to childcare databases.

Click here to view a pdf of this story.

Belinda Hay, Chairman of ANA, said: “It may seem like a cheap and convenient way for busy parents to find childcare but often matches are made according to proximity of postcode between the parent and childcare provider. There are no face-to-face meetings and often very few checks are done to verify the childcare providers’ experience, qualifications, references or suitability for the families in question.

“Choosing a nanny for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It can’t be done safely at the click of a button.

“At ANA we are committed to driving up safeguarding standards by establishing a professional code of conduct for all nanny agencies. We also work with leading child protection bodies to make sure our procedures continue to set the standard for the industry.

“If parents are looking for a nanny or nanny agency, they can rest assured that an ANA-approved agency meets the highest standards of professional childcare excellence. ANA membership is proof that the agency is reputable and committed to delivering quality childcare services. This includes a commitment to thoroughly vetting every nanny on its books through face-to-face meetings and rigorous reference and paperwork checks including CRB checks. ANA members also comply with legal, insurance and data protection responsibilities.”

The growing ANA network enables members to freely share good practice and remain up-to-date on regulations and legislation through regular meetings and correspondence. ANA is also now planning to improve its new members’ services by providing more accessible support and information and by introducing more member benefits including discounted insurance and legal services.

To find out more, visit ANA at www.anauk.org.

Read all about ANA and why it is important to use an approved agency when looking for that perfect job.

Click here to read the article.

BAPN  Coordinators needed in South West and Wales.  If you have 10 years+ experience and would like to know more, please email info@bapn.org.uk.