Whats Going To Happen To Our Childrens Centres?

[Beauvink]

With the new government now in place, does anyone feel that their jobs may be under threat. What have you heard?

 

Just interested to find out what people are hearing or being told

[oakley40]

Hi Beauvink,

 

 

I did hear that the EYFS will change....

 

I wouldn't be surprised either...

 

O40

[hali]

i think CCs are on dodgy grounds at the mo like all our jobs. I know in ours the childminding teams and playworkers are being cut!

[HappyMaz]

I must admit I thought that funding for Children's Centres was ring fenced because they were created as part of statute. Wasn't there talk about refocussing the funding though so that families who are 'most excluded' were able to be targeted more directly?

 

Maz

[catma]

Nothing specific has been decreed yet apart from the initial ConDem manifest promise to refocus on the most vulnerable (Or poor as the govt likes to call them).

 

Until there is a specific policy statement it's business as usual.

 

Jobs all over are being reduced because of general funding streams being stopped, Strategies by 2011, specific programmes like CLLD etc as well as freezes on council tax, reduced central govt funding etc etc. Sure start funding is being honoured for the remainder of this financial year so that take you to April 2011 too.

 

So the brave new world will be:

 

"Got a problem in the EYFS - who you gonna call?" Well, nooone really cos we won't be there.

 

You'll miss us EYFS consultants when we're gone.

 

Cx

Edited June 25, 2010 by catma

[Pimms o'clock?]

...or in my case "Oh no I won't", miss them that is.

 

But everyone has their own opinion and we must recognise and respect that we have differences of opinion.

 

BMG

[HappyMaz]

...or in my case "Oh no I won't", miss them that is.

Children's Centres or EYFS consultants, BMG?

 

I know the families we support would miss our Children's Centre - families for whom even a modest entry fee to attend a parent and children's group would preclude their attending, or who find it easier and less threatening to access support or seek advice from us rather than a professional they may not know well, or even at all. Sometimes we can provide a listening ear when all they need to do is think out loud or raise issues when they are small to get feedback about whether they need to seek more specialist advice or not.

 

As for EYFS consultants or development workers or whatever they are called in different LAs, I would definitely miss them. We might not need them every day of the week, but when we need them their advice and support is invaluable. No matter how highly qualified or experienced we are, none of us knows all the answers!

 

Maz

[louby loo]

As for EYFS consultants or development workers or whatever they are called in different LAs, I would definitely miss them. We might not need them every day of the week, but when we need them their advice and support is invaluable. No matter how highly qualified or experienced we are, none of us knows all the answers!

 

Maz

 

Well I have to admit that over the years I've had some fantastic 'bods' but equally I've had a few that really didn't have a clue what they were talking about!!!!

[waveawand]

Well I have to admit that over the years I've had some fantastic 'bods' but equally I've had a few that really didn't have a clue what they were talking about!!!!

 

Im I missing a trick ? you mean there is someone i could ring and ask advice about EYFS !! Surely not the same people whom "did a runner " when I had failed to recognise (as a newbie to cm) that I was in breach of a standard ? (Early years in Sefton) If the ansa is yes, then NO i wont and can you use their salaries to REALLY help those that need it.... its okay ladies Im stopping now....

[HappyMaz]

I think it is easy to highlight the problems but ignore the really good work that goes on by development workers in helping groups and individuals raise standards.

 

And a lot of it is evident right her on this Forum, so please don't tar them all with the same brush. There are fantastic childminders and early years practitioners as well as childminders and early years practitioners whose practice leaves a lot to be desired. We wouldn't judge the former by the latter's standards would we?

 

Maz

[hali]

ok...into the fire.....

 

I am origionally an NNEB who worked as manager in a committee run pre school for 10 years - brought it up from almost inadequet to Outstanding last year after topping up to BA hons and doing my EYP ( which i am sure got me my outstanding with a fantastic team). Having to leave (I wont go into ) i struggled to find a job and ended up as a 'develpment officer' - owww i can hear the groans.....

 

Can i say going into another authority and only knowing the job from my DOs that came into see me it was a real eye opener.... there are lots of settings out there that are doing a brilliant job with what they have to work with and some - that are not!!!!!!!!

 

Please those of you that have obviously had bad experieces with your DOs - do not tar us all with the same brush!!!!! :rolleyes:

 

I do my upmost to be proffesional. friendly and offer support and advise _ (and as i say it is ADVICE - if settings chose not to take it - there is nothing i can - or would do)

 

Our job as DOs is to ensure that settings have a high quallity provison and do the best for all our children - thats the bottom line

 

we do not go out of our way to upset settings and try our hardest to work with them.

 

Thank you M for your support

 

rant over........ (dont rant often do i :wacko: )

[Beauvink]

I think DO's do a fantastic job, as to Childminding Development Officers, all have given me fantastic advice help and support. Its just sometimes getting over the knee jerk reaction of - not more paperwork etc., But on many occasion i have thanked the pap

er evidence to support my practice

 

I love the EYFS for how it has ensured practitioners like childminders working together with children centres have improved outcomes for children. Thats the crux of the matter really.

 

I hope childminders will still have a place in the centres - if they are all not dispanded

[JacquieL]

You'll miss us EYFS consultants when we're gone.

 

Cx

 

I think many school staff will miss their EYFS consultants. I have had nothing but good experiences from those I have known or worked with. We know from posts on here that there are a few mavericks out there but that is the same in any job/profession. It can be very lonely if you are the only Foundation Practitioner in a Primary School, especially where the understanding of other staff is limited. For those staff working in schools where the SMT have misinformed expectations of what is required in the EYFS, it is good to have someone to call upon to reinforce good practice, or at least someone who understands and listens.

If all LA consultants/advisors go what will replace them? Will we then have to buy in private consultants for any training? Is privatisation the way things will go?

[catma]

If all LA consultants/advisors go what will replace them? Will we then have to buy in private consultants for any training? Is privatisation the way things will go?

 

Yes you most probably will. LAs will not have the resources or funding necessarily to give you services for free anymore. For schools it is about e.g. school to school support and for other providers who knows.

Each LA will be deciding how they will deploy staff so the expectation that there is a person to take the questions to is going to be rather a thing of the past in some areas. We're talking to our heads about buyback and the like.

 

If the ansa is yes, then NO i wont and can you use their salaries to REALLY help those that need it.

Blimey....considering some of the settings I've had to prop up over the past few years I think I've earned my salary just for the sheer professionalism of keeping a straight face at some of the absolutely hilarious things people think and do in the name of early years practice!!

 

From a rather flippant comment what a flood of opinion!!!

 

Cx

[hali]

Blimey....considering some of the settings I've had to prop up over the past few years I think I've earned my salary just for the sheer professionalism of keeping a straight face at some of the absolutely hilarious things people think and do in the name of early years practice!!

 

love it Catma