Tuesday 17th May 2016
You may be aware that the DfE is currently consulting on the childcare disqualification arrangements, introduced with no warning at the end of 2014. You can find the consultation document and a link to the consultation at:
The EPHA Executive members have been consulted and I have prepared a response that I have submitted on their behalf - you can access that response here.
The proposals put forward in this consultation are in response to these concerns and the arguments that have been made to the DfE. These are predominantly about the unfairness of the policy, whereby childcare workers are automatically disqualified, if another person who is disqualified lives or is employed (i.e. disqualified ‘by association') in that household. For such childcare workers, their only recourse is by way of an application for a waiver, with no possibility to make representations to support their continued working in childcare prior to being disqualified. In proposing changes to the arrangements, our aim is to ensure these are proportionate to the risk posed and strike the right balance between ensuring that children in childcare are protected, whilst at the same time ensuring the fairness of the arrangements for those who provide childcare.
The consultation closes on 1st July 2016.
Pam Langmead