Don't water down quality of childminders says Meg

In a debate in the House of Commons Meg directly questioned Sarah Teather, MP, the Minister of State for Children and Families, about the Government's intentions regarding childminders. Meg raised in particular her concern that in seeking to reduce child care costs to parents, we should not water down quality.

Meg also referred the minister to the Government's own review, undertaken by Professor Cathy Nutbrown, who is Professor of Education at Sheffield University specialising in early childhood education.

One of Professor Nutbrown's recommendations was that childminders should have relevant qualifications in recognition of their key role in educating the children in their care from a young age.

Meg will be presenting a petition from Hackney childminders in September and will help organise a campaign to ensure the Government hear views from childminders and parents.