Fifth of childminders lack knowledge or confidence in EYFS

One in five childminders is completely unaware of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), knows little about it or is opposed to it, according to latest research.

The study concludes that the 20 per cent who know little about the EYFS or oppose it will become increasingly “vulnerable in today’s early years environment” as they struggle to compete with other childminders and the nursery sector.

Excessive paperwork and a lack of support in dealing with the EYFS were among childminders’ chief concerns.

The report states: “Some childminders still believed that the framework needed to be simplified and that the paperwork used to capture children’s developmental progress should be standardised.”

The report urges local nurseries to do more to help childminders understand and implement the EYFS.

But childminders interviewed said that many nursery staff had a “negative perception of childminders” and were reluctant to offer support.

Many said nurseries were also reluctant to “share pertinent information about children with childminders”.

One childminder with seven years’ experience told researchers: “I’ve made sure when the children have started preschool I’ve done a transition report for them so that the key workers know. I have to force my way in and I pin the key workers down and I say, right, I’ve got this, look at it.

“And it’s obstacle after obstacle all the way where the sharing of information with other settings is concerned. I don’t know whether they just see us as secondary and not on a par with them.”

The half of childminders surveyed who were members of a local council or National Childminding Association network were more likely to be positive of the EYFS. They praised the support such network offered on regulatory matters and paperwork.

The survey also revealed that 12 per cent had no childcare specific qualification.

Children’s commissioner to investigate primary school safeguarding

The children’s commissioner for England is to investigate how well primary schools are safeguarding children from harm as part of a new research project

The study, which will be carried out by the NSPCC on behalf the commissioner, is set to gather evidence of child protection best practice in England’s primary schools.

The project will focus on issues including how schools respond to concerns of abuse and neglect, identify risk and harm to children, promote preventive measures and provide advice and help directly to children.

It will result in new guidance for teachers, school leaders, local safeguarding children’s boards and other children’s professionals in autumn 2012.

Maggie Atkinson, the children’s commissioner for England, said the research would draw on the experience and expertise of schools.

“The policy agenda on child protection is absolutely focused on early identification of need and help for children,” she explained.

“But research shows there are a number of barriers to the development of good practice models in schools, including confusion and concern about information sharing and understanding the law on data.

“Some teachers lack confidence and/or expertise in this area and can be uncertain about the consequences for the child and families following child protection referrals.

She added: “It is our intention to support teachers and school staff so that they are well placed to identify signs of abuse and neglect, and to offer support for children. It is essential that through inter-agency liaison they are well supported to do this.”

From next week the NSPCC and consultancy Youthworks will contact a selection of primary schools, asking them to give evidence to the project. As well as professionals, children and young people will be asked for their views on how child protection is working in schools