Family and Childcare TrustNewsletter December 2013
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It's nearly Christmas so we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Annual ConferenceMaking more great and affordable childcare a reality
We held our annual conference last week. Over 100 representatives from Local Authorities, Children's Centres, Family Information Services, childcare providers and other professionals working in the sector attended.The conference began with a keynote speech by Anand Shukla, Chief Executive of the Family and Childcare Trust, who argued that cost, affordability and access problems in childcare are systemic challenges that require a strategic response. Anand Shukla argued that investment in childcare will not resolve these problems unless accompanied by a vision and that this is lacking in the current political focus on childcare. He highlighted in particular the need to simplify funding and said that the Family and Childcare Trust would be publishing a report in the New Year looking at what can be learnt from the first ten years of childcare policy.
Education minister Liz Truss set out the government’s approach to addressing the quality, affordability and access challenges in childcare, including reforming regulation and creating the tax-free childcare scheme. Liz Truss spoke in particular about the government’s desire to support more schools to provide wraparound childcare.
Labour shadow children and families minister Lucy Powell argued that policy has failed to keep up with changes in family life and called for a ‘childcare revolution’. Lucy Powell argued that government should treat investment in childcare in the same way that it makes infrastructure investment and discussed Labour’s pledge to guarantee families childcare before and after school and extend the free offer to 25 hours.
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Parent Champions
Over the last month the Parent Champions project has held workshops for members of our network of parent-to-parent advice schemes. These have been a chance to provide network members with information and resources on supporting their volunteers and collecting evidence of the difference they are making in their local area. Thanks to everyone who has attended so far and shared great ideas with other network members.
Unfortunately, our January workshop is full. For people who weren't able to book we hope to run workshops again later in 2014. Please get in touch with Chloe Alexander (chloe@familyandchildcaretrust.org or 020 7940 7525) to register your interest for future workshops on Managing Volunteers and Monitoring and Evaluating a Parent Champions scheme.
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Parents' Week Haven holiday prize goes to....Over 450 families across the UK entered their Make One Change commitment for a chance to win a family break. There were many inspiring entries but there could only be one winner. Chosen at random, the prize draw competition winner is Sarah Clarke-Feltham, wife and mum of two from Cornwall. Read the winner's story.Thank you again to everyone who supported our Make One Change campaign. Next year's Parents' Week will take place on Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October 2014 but we will announce the theme early next year. Subscribe to the Parent's Week newsletter to receive the latest updates.
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What makes a good or bad family day out?
We’re looking for parents and grandparents to come along to a group discussion about family days out. The group will meet for a couple of hours at the end of January. Location to be confirmed so please email if you’re interested in joining us to chat and share your experiences of what makes a good or bad family day out. We will send you more details in January.
Email Kate kate@familyandchildcaretrust.org or call 020 7940 7510.
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Publications for familiesChristmas can be a stressful time for families, and our books for families can help with those meltdown moments over the holiday period. If the families you work with need some ideas for dealing with festive tantrums, take a look at these titles:
For more information on these, and on all of our publications, and to place orders visit our website.
We will also be offering special prices on some of our publications in the New Year, so check back in January to see what deals are available!
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New Year datesProfessional Nanny Training 12 January 2014, LondonAssociation of Nanny Agencies is proud to offer a training programme for nannies working in private homes. The programme costs £164 and is endorsed by CACHE. The trainers are qualified child carers with nanny experience and home childcare recruitment consultants. For further details emailmargaret@anauk.org.
Living with teenagers course by HOPE 16 January 2014, Harrow, MiddlesexA course for parents with teenagers and adolescents aged 10+ to understand and acknowledge the needs of pre-teens and teenagers, practicing negotiating and setting limits, and finding different ways to communicate effectively. It costs £80 for non-Harrow residents and there is a discounted rate for Harrow residents. Contact Jade Jaroudi on 020 8863 7319 or email info@hopeharrow.org.uk to register or book online www.hopeharrow.org.uk.
Achieving Two Year Olds (A2YO) is the national DfE support programme for providers and local authorities, delivered by Hempsall’s and Mott MacDonald. A2YO’s aim is to support the implementation of free early learning for the least advantaged two year olds.
A2YO are running a second programme of FREE nation-wide roadshows for group providers, children’s centres, schools and childminders. Over 60 roadshows will occur over the next few months across daytimes, evenings and weekends, and you are invited to come along to the following dates in the diary:
3rd February 2014 - Manchester10th February 2014 - Bristol13th February 2014 - Liverpool28th February 2014 - London3rd March 2014 - Exeter4th March 2014 – Peterborough11th March 2014 – Birmingham
Don’t miss out on your FREE place. To book contact bookings@hempsalls.com or download a booking form by visiting the A2YO page at www.hempsalls.com
The Work and Family Show 21-22 February 2014, Excel LondonThe event will give working parents and parents taking a career-break women all the practical advice, ideas and answers needed to fulfil their ambitions. Visitors can speak with experts about creating an ideal work-life balance, meet family friendly companies, and discuss business ideas and future career opportunities. Don't forget to come and visit the Family and Childcare Trust exhibition stand Visit website for more details.
Childcare Expo 2014 28-29 March 2014, Olympia LondonIf you work in the early years, childcare or nursery sector, Childcare Expo is a must-attend event to help you develop and look to the future in this growing community. Over the two day event a range of seminars will take place with updates from industry leaders on the most important subjects facing early years decision makers. Visit website for more information.
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