Response 184165055

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Section 1: Funding follows the child

1. What factors should be considered in developing a simple, standardised yet flexible process for becoming a funded provider?

Simple Quality Indicators that are clear and nationally set
One Standardised application form
Funded hours paid at same rate to Partners as costs Local Authorities
Funding released at the start of the term
Access to training shared equally to all Local authority and Private Partner providers

2. What are the key shared principles which should underpin an effective and positive partnership between local authorities and funded providers?

Provider Neutral
Quality
Affordability
Business Sustainability
Choice for Families and children

Section 2: National standard for funded early learning and childcare provision

3a. We are proposing that the National Standard includes a qualification requirement for childminders delivering the funded entitlement to be qualified to or working towards the same qualification level as is required for an ELC practitioner (SCQF level 7). What are the advantages of including this criteria?

Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
What are the advantages of including this criteria?
All ELC staff will have equal qualifications

3b. Are childminders able to access adequate funding to pay for training to SCQF level 7?

Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
Please add reasons for your answer.
Training available is flexible with day evening weekend and twighlight courses available

4. Our aspiration is to see outdoor learning and play becoming a defining feature of funded ELC in Scotland.

Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
How can these challenges be overcome?
Use of public space and sale of public buildings for ELC should be a priority

5a. Will the criteria set out in the draft National Standard ensure that high quality, accessible, flexible and affordable Early Learning Childcare is delivered in all funded provider settings?

Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
Please explain your answer.
Only if Partners are treated fairly with funding set at a rate that enables staff wages to increase, that would mean provider neutral settings
Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
Please explain your answer.
Parental choice is limited if partner providers funded rate is less than the Local authority cost as this limits the Partner Providers ability to be sustainable

5b. Is there any criteria not included in the National Standard that is required to ensure a high quality service is provided to all children?

Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
Please explain your answer.
Partners are needed.
Local Authorities must spend first with Partners before extending their own services.
This is NOT the case

5c. Do the proposed criteria within the National Standard seem fair and proportionate for all?

Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
Please explain your answer.
Sustainability is open to Local Authority interpretation.
Provider Neutral the same, just non existant.
Childminders have been favoured being paid an hourly rate of £5 per hour per child (in Glasgow for example) while Private Nurseries are paid an hourly rate of £3.28.
Childminders are less qualified than long term successful Private Nursery Providers yet we are both supposed to be providing high quality ELC and nurturing on an equal Provider Neutral basis?
Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
Please explain your answer.
Providing the same quality means, having an "all for one" high quality standard for those providers, how does this equate with provider neutral?

Section 3: Implementing the early learning and childcare living wage commitment

6. What areas would you look to be addressed in the technical guidance note for supporting implementation of the ELC Living Wage commitment?

Fair work practice commitment means that the gap needs closed between Local Authority settings and Private Providers. This is NOT happening.

This means a higher hourly funded rate for all Partner Providers is critical to meet the upskilling and recruitment and keeping of high quality ELC staff.

Funding follows the child is open to Local Authority interpretation with (as cited earlier for an example,) Glasgow city only funding hours at a rate of £3.28 per hour to Private Providers

Section 4: Next steps and the transition period to 2020

7. Should newly established ELC settings be able to deliver the funded hours on a probationary basis, pending the outcome of their first inspection, provided they meet all other aspects of the National Standard?

Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know
Are there any particular challenges or issues that may arise from this approach?
This is sujective as to whether you are a new provider but would safeguard children from becoming part of "big business" and a commodity

8. What support will service providers require to prepare for the introduction of the National Standard and meet the criteria and delivery of the new service model?

Guidance from LA
Support from LA
Training Opportunities

About you

What is your name?

Mrs Gabi Heron

Are you responding as an individual or an organisation?

Please select one item
(Required)
Individual
Organisation

What is your organisation?

Heron House Early Years