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How many children aged under three should childminders and nursery staff be allowed to look after at the same time?

A relaxation in the number of pre-school children that nurseries and registered childminders can oversee has been announced in order to professionalise the pre-school workforce and cut the cost of childcare in England.





Key principles in work with parents

The child is the focus

It may sound obvious - the rights and needs of the child are the starting point for all parenting support. The key aim of any work with parents is to protect children's rights and enable parents to meet their children's needs.

Work in partnership with parents

Parents want practitioners who are confident and well-informed, but also able to get alongside them and show an interest in them and their lives. When practitioners and parents work together within an ethos of partnership, with each contributing their particular expertise and knowledge, this helps to overcome barriers that prevent parents seeking support and ensures that support is effective and relevant.

Adopt a strength-based approach

Parents have unique knowledge and information about their children and the vast majority of parents want to do their best, although some struggle to do so. Work with parents should be non-judgemental and should seek to empower by building on and valuing parents' existing strengths, knowledge and experience.

Services should be inclusive and accessible

Practitioners should engage with all those in a parenting role, respecting gender and cultural differences and tailoring support to the needs of different parents.

Be aware of, and aim for, good practice

Workforce development and support is key to ensuring high quality parenting support. Staff should have specific training for work with parents and be encouraged to reflect on and develop their skills and practice.

Download: Principles and values that underpin the national occupational standards for work with parents

Download: UN Convention on the rights of the child - in child-friendly language

 

News

Family and Childcare Trust

The new name for Daycare Trust and the Family and Parenting Institute.

Childcare Costs Survey 2013

Report reveals childcare is the luxury that families have to afford as figures show that nursery, childminder and after-school club costs are all rising at more than double the rate of inflation.

Daycare Trust have merged with Family and Parenting Institute

The two charities merged on 1 January 2013 and the new charity will be launched in April 2013.

Latest annual review published

A review of Daycare Trust's achievements in 2012