#Childcare Services in UK

[hamiltonwallis]

Navigating Childcare Services in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Introduction: In today's fast-paced world, finding reliable childcare services is a necessity for many families. Whether you're a working parent, a single parent, or simply in need of some extra support, the childcare options available in the UK can be both diverse and overwhelming. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of childcare services in the UK, helping parents navigate their choices with confidence and clarity.

1. Types of Childcare Services: a. Nursery Schools: These are often run by local authorities, private businesses, or voluntary groups, providing care and education for children aged 0 to 5. b. Childminders: Registered individuals who care for children in their own homes, offering a more personalized and flexible approach. c. Preschools/Playgroups: Typically offering part-time care and education for children aged 2 to 5, focusing on early learning through play. d. Day Nurseries: Private or public establishments providing full-day care for children from infancy to school age. e. After-School Clubs: Programs offering care and activities for school-aged children outside of regular school hours.

2. Finding Childcare: a. Local Authority Services: Many local councils provide information and support for finding childcare, including directories of registered providers. b. Online Platforms: Websites and apps such as Childcare.co.uk and Care.com allow parents to search for childcare providers in their area and read reviews from other parents. c. Recommendations: Asking friends, family, and other parents for recommendations can be a valuable way to find trusted childcare providers. d. Visiting Providers: Once you've narrowed down your options, visiting potential childcare providers in person allows you to assess the environment, meet the staff, and ask questions about their policies and practices.

3. Understanding Regulations and Standards: a. Ofsted: The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills regulates and inspects childcare providers in England, ensuring they meet statutory requirements and maintain quality standards. b. Registration and Inspection: Childcare providers must register with Ofsted (or equivalent bodies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and undergo regular inspections to assess their compliance with legal requirements and standards of care. c. Qualifications and Training: Staff working in childcare settings are required to have relevant qualifications and training to ensure they can provide safe and effective care for children.

4. Financial Support: a. Childcare Vouchers: Some employers offer childcare voucher schemes, allowing parents to pay for Childcare Services in UK out of their pre-tax income. b. Tax-Free Childcare: A government scheme that provides financial support for childcare costs, offering eligible families up to 20% off childcare expenses. c. Universal Credit: Families on low incomes may be eligible for help with childcare costs through Universal Credit.

5. Making Informed Decisions: a. Consider Your Child's Needs: Think about your child's age, personality, and any specific needs they may have when choosing a childcare provider. b. Visit and Ask Questions: Take the time to visit potential childcare providers, observe the environment, and ask questions about their approach to childcare, daily routines, and staff qualifications. c. Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts when making a decision about childcare. If something doesn't feel right, keep looking until you find a provider that meets your needs and feels like the right fit for your family.

Conclusion: Finding the right childcare services for your family can feel like a daunting task, but with the right information and resources, it's possible to make informed decisions that meet your child's needs and give you peace of mind. By understanding the different types of childcare available, researching providers, and considering factors such as regulations, standards, and financial support options, parents in the UK can navigate the childcare landscape with confidence.

[coochiequeens]

Men 60 and over are purchasing g babies through surrogacy yet the average life span of men in England is 78.8 years. What plans do they have in place if they die before the babies are legally adults?

By Sanchez Manning 14 September 2024

Almost 300 men aged over 50 have applied to become the legal father of a surrogate child over the past five years – and 43 of them are over 60, new figures reveal.

And a total of 95 single men applied to become a parent, reflecting a growing trend in men, especially older men, having babies alone with the help of surrogates.

Since the law changed in 2019 to give single people the same surrogacy rights as couple, there have been 2,162 applications from intended parents in England. 

A total of 293 would-be fathers are over 50, both solo and in couples, according to figures released following a Freedom of Information Act application from The Mail on Sunday.

Older women turning to surrogacy has already sparked debate, with high-profile figures such as Naomi Campbell using a surrogate to have children in their 50s.

And in June, a 72-year-old man was granted permission in Scotland to become the legal father of a three-year-old boy, born to a surrogate, despite the death of his wife.

Commenting on the new figures from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, fertility and family law expert Louisa Ghevaert said: ‘The numbers of single men and men over 50 applying for parental orders reflects wider trends in solo and later-life parenting that are set to continue.’

She added that the numbers also reflected ‘the fact there’s no legal upper age limit for a parental order’.

However, the latest disclosure has caused anger among some campaigners. Helen Gibson, of Surrogacy Concern, said: ‘We are appalled to see such high numbers of single men and older men pursuing surrogacy, often abroad and in commercial arrangements which are banned in the UK. This is a worrying trend in which mothers are erased from the lives of their children.’

But Alan White, of Surrogacy UK, said: ‘As a society, perhaps we’re more used to considering maternal instinct than we are paternal instinct, but the desire to become a parent can be strong whether you’re a man or a woman.’

The UK ranks as one of the worst countries to bring up twins and triplets, a shocking report has revealed.

Research from the Twins Trust found parents of such children are at least £20,000 worse off in the first year after birth, compared with those who have had two babies in succession.

In a ranking of developed nations that looked at financial help such as maternity pay, mental health support and childcare provision, the UK came 23rd out of 27.

Shauna Leven, chief executive of the Twins Trust, said: ‘This report lays bare the grim reality facing families with multiples – the financial burden, mental health toll and lack of support.’

The charity is calling on the Government to change maternity pay so it is paid per baby instead of per mother.

[tomorrowusa]

Republicans are soft on disease control. We all remember the MAGA anti-vaccine hysteria when the COVID-19 vaccines became available.

They are now turning their attention to the polio vaccine which was approved for use in the US on 12 April 1955. The number of polio cases in the US dropped from 57,879 in 1952 to 910 in 1962 and became rare by the early 1970s.

Thanks to anti-vaxxing conspiracy crackpots, polio returned to the US for the first time in three decades in 2022.

New Hampshire Republicans want to weaken vaccination requirements to kowtow to anti-science elements in their state.

New Hampshire could soon beat Florida—known for its anti-vaccine Surgeon General—when it comes to loosening vaccine requirements. A first-in-the-nation bill that’s already passed New Hampshire’s state House, sponsored only by Republican legislators, would end the requirement for parents enrolling kids in childcare to provide documentation of polio and measles vaccination. New Hampshire would be the only state in the US to have such a law, although many states allow religious exemptions to vaccine requirements.  Currently, Republicans control New Hampshire’s state House, Senate and governor’s office—but that isn’t a guarantee that the bill will be signed into law, with GOP Gov. Chris Sununu seemingly flip-flopping when it comes to disease control. Sununu did sign a bill in 2021 allowing people to use public places and services even if they did not receive the Covid-19 vaccine. But the next year, the governor vetoed a bill that would bar schools from implementing mask mandates.  The polio vaccine, first offered in 1955, and the MMR shot, which treats the highly infectious measles, mumps, and rubella viruses, are two very crucial vaccines both in the US and internationally. Since the year 2000 alone, vaccines against measles are estimated to have saved over 55 million lives around the world.  [ ... ] Vaccine hesitancy is rising among parents of young children. A 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center found that around half of parents with kids four or younger thought that not all standard childhood vaccines—a list that also includes hepatitis B, rotavirus, DTaP and chickenpox—may be necessary. Anti-vaccine misinformation plays a role in this phenomenon, which began before the Covid-19 pandemic, but has certainly increased since. In a 2019 UK report, about 50 percent of parents of young kids encountered false information about vaccines on social media. 

Gov. Chris Sununu is a spineless putz. In some ways he's like Lindsey Graham who likes to send smoke signals of independent thinking but always comes crawling home to Daddy Donald.

Sununu campaigned for Nikki Haley and blamed Trump for January 6th. But that hasn't stopped him from endorsing Trump anyway. Instigating a coup d'état does not disqualify somebody from the presidency in Sununu's opinion.

GOP's Chris Sununu tries, fails to defend his Trump endorsement

Sununu may do for polio in New Hampshire what Trump did for COVID in the entire US in 2020.

[ukrfeminism]

3 minute read

Right now it feels like every public service employee is having to resort to strike action to gain acceptable standards of employment. Who’s next? If we’re talking about labour that is woefully undervalued and unsupported, it should be mums.

Statutory maternity pay, at £156.66 per week, is less than half of minimum wage (£384 for a standard 40-hour week). New mothers (and their child) have to survive on 41 per cent of the minimum we consider acceptable to live on. 30 hours per week of subsidised childcare is available for three-year-olds, but maternity pay ends at 39-weeks-old. During that two-year gap, nursery fees cost 65 per cent of the average parent’s wages, and many mothers are falling into debt, or dropping out of the workforce, as a result.

Moreover, 54,000 women lose their jobs in the UK every year because of maternity discrimination. Maternity is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, but only for the first 26 weeks. Any claim for maternity discrimination must be brought within three months – almost impossible in the midst of the physical and mental upheavals of matrescence. During which time, 31 per cent of mothers didn’t have confidence in their postnatal care. And, according to the Office of National Statistics, in heterosexual couples women still perform 77 per cent more childcare and 62 per cent of the domestic work.

Surely that’s reason to strike!

There is precedent. In Iceland in 1975, women refused to go to work, cook, clean or perform childcare, during what was termed “the long Friday”. Many schools and nurseries had to close, forcing fathers to bring their children to work. Banks, factories and shops simply couldn’t function. Even the next day’s newspapers were shorter than usual. 

Ninety per cent of women in Iceland took part and the next year Iceland’s parliament passed a law guaranteeing equal rights to women and men. Five years later, Vigdis Finnbogadottir became Iceland’s president – the world’s first democratically elected female head of state. She insists this couldn’t have happened without the strike, which paralysed the country and demonstrated women’s importance to society. She served for 16 years, and, having introduced initiatives such as all-women shortlists and paid paternity leave ahead of the curve, Iceland became known as the world’s most feminist country.

Collective action amongst mothers is happening here. Women’s Strike asked women to refuse all work on International Women’s Day 2022. Then, just six weeks ago, charity Pregnant Then Screwed led 15,000 parents onto the streets across the UK in March of the Mummies. Founder Joeli Brearley told me, “There is such power in protesting. We were under no illusion that the Government would immediately fix the issues, but it is a signal that unless they act soon they will lose votes at the ballot box. Make no mistake – Westminster heard us that day.”

So, what do we want? I propose: maternity pay brought in line with minimum wage; childcare free for parents (and properly paid for by the Government) from birth until starting school; parenthood made a protected characteristic for life; and parents given 12 months to bring discrimination claims. When you consider that more mothers in work could be worth £28.2 billion to the UK economy, this is just sensible. The birth rate has now dropped below the level needed for a stable population, fuelling fears of economic decline. We need investment in motherhood.

As Iceland showed, when women stop, everything stops. In the UK, women are the vast majority of childcare workers, administrative staff, care workers, cleaners, hospitality staff, HR professionals, teachers and nurses. If they refused to work for just 24 hours, the impact for society and the economy would be crippling. Then there’s women’s domestic work, which is estimated to be worth 56 per cent of GDP. Strike once – that includes paid employment as well as cleaning, childcare, cooking, organising and so on – and it’s unlikely we would need to again.

What made Iceland’s strike so successful was so many women took part. But mobilising primary care givers is a nightmare, given the burden of domestic responsibility. We’re missing the cornerstone of effective industrial action – a union. Unions provide support, mobilise large disparate groups, and lobby for members’ rights. We need a union for parents. There are amazing campaigning charities, but unions are protected by legislation, forcing employers (or governments) to negotiate, and keeping workers’ jobs safe if they strike. Unions have teeth.

When do we want it? According to research from YouGov more than half of women say they do the majority of Christmas tasks, 51 per cent of women feel stressed at Christmas and according to Action for Children one in six parents said they would cancel the whole thing if they could. Ancient Anglo-Saxons celebrated Modranicht (“mother’s night”) on 24 December. What if mothers honoured themselves this Christmas Eve by doing absolutely nothing?

No last minute shopping. No festive food preparation. No present wrapping. No stuffing of stockings. No ringing round to coordinate family members or clarifying dietary requirements. Just putting our feet up with a mulled wine and watching It’s a Wonderful Life while someone else takes responsibility for the over-excited, sugar-hyped children. We baulk at the idea, because Christmas would fall apart. But isn’t that exactly the reason to do it? To show how much motherhood matters.

Allegra Chapman is a diversity and inclusion consultant, and co-founder of Watch This Sp_ce.

[lepartidelamort]

Breitbart:

The birth rate in England and Wales has fallen to a new low since records began in the 1930s, with the rate falling to just one and a half children per woman in 2022. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the total fertility rate fell to 1.49 children per woman in 2022, far below the rate of 2.1 needed to maintain population levels and the lowest since records began in 1939. According to the statistics, there were 605,479 live births recorded in 2022, a 3.1 per cent decline over the previous year and also the lowest overall figure since 2002. The data also showed that the rate of women having children was highest between the ages of 30 to 34, compared to 25 to 29 just twenty years ago, suggesting that British women are delaying having children.

Commenting on the birthrate decline, chief executive of Pregnant Then Screwed, Joeli Brearley told The Guardian: “It is no surprise to us that fertility rates have hit the floor. Procreation has become a luxury item in the UK. Childcare costs are excruciating, and that’s if you can secure a place.

“Our research found that almost half of parents have been plunged into debt or had to use savings just to pay their childcare bill,” she said.

Speaking to the globalist Financial Times newspaper, James Pomeroy, an economist at the HSBC bank, said that without mass migration, the birthrate decline would result in the British population falling by 25 to 30 per cent over the next generation. He claimed that a declining native population either needs “more immigration, higher taxes, worse public services or a higher retirement age”.

The fact is, to raise the birthrate, you have to abolish women’s rights. There is no other option.

Various European countries have tried to raise their birthrates with incentives. They do not work. They simply do not work at all.

I just saw a meme of someone talking about how “based Hungary” will lower your taxes if you have 4 kids. No woman is going to look at that and say “oh wow, cool – I’ll have 4 kids to lower my taxes!”

This is absurd.

You have to take their rights away. That’s all.

Until then, the only people who are going to reproduce are people from cultures that do not have women’s rights.

[manifestosummaries]

Disability

Conservative Party

Continue the Lilac Review to encourage more female and disabled entrepreneurs - Paraphrased (page 9/80)

"reform the system to make it fairer and more sustainable, unlocking the potential of millions of people and giving them the support they need to get into work" - Specifically in relation to disability & health condition (page 24/80)

"Reform our disability benefits so they are better targeted and reflect people’s genuine needs, while delivering a step-change in mental health provision" - In relation to "unsustainable rise in benefit claims for people of working age with a disability or health condition" - This includes "improving PIP assessments" and changing provisions offered (page 24/80)

Continue to modernise autism and learning disability services (page 43/80)

Give councils the power to ban pavement parking - Subject to business & residential engagement (page 59/80)

Delivering "Disability Action Plan", Pass the "Down Syndrome Act", Improve support for people with guide / assistance dogs - There are no specifics on any of these (page 61-62/80)

Explore hosting the 2031 Special Olympics World Summer Games (page 62/80)

Accelerate the rollout of Universal Credit to ensure it always pays to work - Including eliminating the legacy benefits system entirely (page 25/80)

Taking a zero-tolerance approach to welfare fraud - Relevant as it will make access harder (page 25/80)

Labour

Tackle access to work claim backlog (to address issue of immediate benefit reassessments), reform / replace Work Capability Assessments, support disabled people getting into work (page 43/136)

Ensure special schools address the needs of those with disabilities and have a community-wide approach incorporating schools and SEND - paraphrased (page 83/136)

Equalise pay for disabled people (88/136)

Improve employment support (89/136)

Protect disabled people by making all existing strands of hate crime an aggravated offence (89/136)

Look for ways to incorporate support for working aged disabled people into the National Care Service (NCS) Labour will establish - paraphrased (page 101/136)

Review Universal Credit (page 78/136)

Liberal Democrats

Help disabled people enter the job market (page 18/117)

Ending inappropriate and costly inpatient placements for people with learning disabilities and autism (page 33/117)

Ensure parents can access childcare that helps identifying and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities in the new training programme for early years staff (page 48/117)

Improve the benefits system for disabled people by giving disabled people a stronger voice in policy & process, bringing work capability assessments in-house, and reforming personal independence payment processes - paraphrased (page 52/117)

Improve Disabled Access in the rail network (page 79/117)

"Give everyone a new right to flexible working and every disabled person the right to work from home if they want to, unless there are significant business reasons why it is not possible" (page 94/117)

Requiring large employers to monitor and publish data on disability (and other protected characteristic) employment levels, pay gaps and progression, and publish five-year aspirational diversity targets (page 96/117)

Make it easier for disabled people to access public life by adopting new standards for public spaces, improving legislative framework around blue badges, incorporating UN law on disabled people into UK law, tackling the employment gap, raising awareness of the access to work scheme, introducing "adjustment passports" to clearly express individual needs and adjustments, expand on the BSL act, including in government communicates (page 97/117)

Establish an independent commission for annual increases to Universal Credit to appropriately cover living expenses (page 51/117)

Reduce wait for first Universal Credit payment from 5 weeks to 5 days (page 52/117)

"Ending the young parent penalty for under-25s by restoring the full rate of Universal Credit for all parents regardless of age" (page 52/117)

Green Party (England & Wales)

"Free personal care to ensure dignity in old age and for disabled people" (page 7/48)

"Restore the value of disability benefits with an immediate uplift of 5%" (page 8/48)

"End the unfair targeting of carers and disabled people on benefits" (page 8/48)

"Oppose plans to replace Personal Independence Payments (PIP) cash payments with ‘vouchers’, and in the long term reform intrusive eligibility tests like PIP" (page 8/48)

"Make it mandatory for councils to provide free transport for 16–18-year-old pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability"

"Ensure disabled workers have the in-job support they need, as well as proper pay and conditions" (page 8/48)

"Champion the right to inclusive welfare support, and housing under the principles of universal design" (page 8/48)

"Push for pay-gap protections to be extended to all protected characteristics including ethnicity, disability" (page 20/48)

"Equate the rate of pension tax relief with the basic rate of income tax to help fund the social care that will allow elderly and disabled people on low incomes to live in dignity" (page 22/48)

"20 miles per hour to be the default speed limit on roads in all built-up areas, allowing children, the elderly and disabled people to walk and wheel safely" (page 34/48)

Increase representation of under-represented groups including disabled people (page 35-36/48)

"Work cross party to support sports to be more diverse and representative, especially for women and girls and disabled people" (page 40/48)

"Police Services need to acknowledge the institutional racism, misogyny, homophobia and disablism that have dominated policing for so long" (page 41/48)

"Increase Universal Credit and legacy benefits by £40 a week" (page 21/48)

"Oppose plans to replace Personal Independence Payments (PIP) cash payments with ‘vouchers’, and in the long term reform intrusive eligibility tests like PIP" (page 8/48)

"We will end benefit sanctions and challenge the punitive approach to welfare claimants, instead recognising that that all of us might need extra support or a safety net at different points in our lives" (page 21/48)

Push to introduce Universal Basic Income (page 21/48)

Plaid Cymru

Adopt the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People into UK law to assure accessibility for all which was ratified by the UK in 2009, but never introduced into law (page 71/72)

Introduce a minimum threshold to universal credit - Paraphrased (page 40/72)

"The timetable for receipt of first payments of Universal Credit should be shortened so that individuals and families do not get into substantial debt, and repayments should operate on the basis of supporting people" (page 40/72)

Pilot Universal Basic Income (page 41/72)

[lights-on-why]

reading the labour manifesto.

seems ok so far. usual bit of waffle.

(waffle of my own below, which I've stuck under a readmore)

they're gonna recruit more teachers. fantastic! (how? it doesn't say. but how hard can it be?)

free school breakfasts in every primary school is actually great news and i'm very happy about that!*

*I think that's what "free breakfast clubs" means, not just free morning childcare. not that free morning childcare wouldn't be fab, mind you

they're going to end tax loopholes, which might be harder than they make it sound, but it sounds like they have a few plans to make it more difficult. and they are gonna focus on large businesses avoiding tax, so what actually matters.

they're really vague on immigration, which does worry me. they're gonna stop illegal dangerous crossing and not send people to Rwanda, but they're not actually taking a position on whether immigration is good for this country or not.

"securonomics". lol.

i don't really understand economics and it's always hard to judge what it actually means. there's a bit of "yay business is good" for sure, but then also talking about "shaping markets not just serving them" and the downsides of big corporations. they are capping corporation tax at 25%, apparently the lowest of the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, US, UK and Japan) which seems backwards to me.

national rail is coming back! i was not even born when they got privatised but it will be interesting to see what that looks like. and local bus services are allowed too i think? their transport plan actually looks pretty good to me.

building more houses, which. i mean. i'm not actually sure but i think empty houses is more the issue? but then there is a proper housing crisis at the moment so. some stuff about environmental friendly housing which seems reasonable but i don't know enough to make a full judgement on.

growth growth growth. i'm not a fan, but then the 2nd biggest political party in the uk is hardly going to say "capitalism is a mistake and we need to get used to a lower standard of living in the grand scheme of things in order to be able to live sustainably" so. i'll take it on the chin.

oh! they do have an opinion on migration. it's bad. and "must be properly controlled and managed". and you were doing so well until now.

reforming jobcentre and work capability assessments, which are definitely broken at the moment. so hopefully any changes to that will be an improvement.

more workers rights! yay!

i'm gonna read the rest of it tomorrow. i may also ramble my thoughts on here, more just so that i don't get bored reading through it than anything.

[mwahahahahahahaa]

genuinely the idea of national service being brought in to the UK terrifies me Like. What the fuck. Anyway I fucking hate the tories. I also hate the labour party because they are just tory-lite at this point, they are also right wing, but unfortunately the only way to get the tories out is to vote for them. And fuck shit fuck the tories are fucking

nightmares

how can anyone think national service is either a good idea or needed? and they'd be taking money from actually necessary things to fund it

i don't want the kids i look after at work (I work in childcare) to have to join the army. That terrifies me. And I know there's also 'community service' as an option, but it is NOT a good idea to make it mandatory to work with vulnerable people. That would make those places rife with abuse, with people not actually caring and some using it as an opportunity to hurt people they think don't matter. I just.

Fuuuuck.

Anyway I hate the UK but I have nowhere else to live so.

[ingek73]

Scobie: Princess Kate’s Early Years work is ineffectual because of her ‘limitations’

February 02, 2023

By Kaiser

It’s been Keen Early Years Week, where the Princess of Wales has launched yet another awareness-raising campaign centered on Kate going around, telling people that the early years are important. Shaping Us is no different than the Five Big Questions, which was no different from Big Change Starts Small (rip to that initiative). None of these “campaigns” are any different and none of them actually does something substantive. It’s all white noise, gurning, wiglets and gloss. It’s Kate preening for the cameras and telling everyone that she’s a credible expert and a big girl doing important work! As I said, we’re past the point where Kate is a chaotic neutral – the messaging has gotten harmful. Even credible childhood development experts are coming out and saying that Kate’s fluff is dumb and unimportant, that these resources should be focused on actually solving very real problems for kids. All of this and more made it into Omid Scobie’s latest Yahoo UK column – you can read the full piece here. Some highlights:

Kate’s 2012 ‘listening and learning’ charity visits: Chatting with her press secretary at the time, I was told how the duchess’s “keen interest” in childhood development will likely lead to projects focused on supporting the young. A month earlier she had also taken on a patronage with Action on Addiction, a charity working with those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction and the children affected by it. “Right now she is listening and learning… in the future she hopes to find practical ways to contribute,” the palace aide explained.

All of Kate’s sound and keenery, signifying nothing: It’s an extremely important subject. But after 12 years of work, the goods being delivered right now feel light. Some within the early years sector have already voiced frustrations. “We are well accustomed to MPs and royalty visiting early years settings, praising the invaluable work of practitioners… but nothing is done,” a statement from the Practitioners of the Early Years Sector group says. “The time has long passed for ‘awareness’. We need action – long-term investment and funding in the early years.”

Kate’s big-girl problem: And this is where the Princess of Wales will no doubt find herself stuck. Because while elevating the importance of helping children in their first five years of life to thrive is certainly necessary, there are very few options available to Kate when it comes to actually helping solve the main issue at the heart of Britain’s early years crisis – funding. Budgets for preventative services for children in the country have been slashed by more than £400m since 2015 . And 4,000 early childcare providers have shut down in the last year alone due to chronic underfunding.

More slashes to the social safety net: Cuts have also seen the closures of children’s centres nationwide, despite the fact they help prevent more serious social services intervention at later stages in childhood. Britain’s social care system, which is already on its knees, estimates that over 15,000 young people will be taken into care over the next three years. As the country falls deeper into its cost of living crisis, and childcare providers raise prices due to funding pressures, is Kate’s awareness project really able to do much at all?

Ineffective royal work: If anything, Shaping Us exposes the ineffectiveness that the Royal Family’s charity work can have. Because it is almost impossible to make an impact in this field, or even usher in the smallest of change, without considering all the social factors that have an impact on early development. And that cannot be done without stepping into policy or politics — the one thing Kate can’t do as a working member of the Royal Family.

The Art Room disaster: Two years ago The Art Room charity Kate first visited in 2012 shut down its facilities for good after it became no longer financially sustainable. Shrinking school budgets from the government were to blame, and while Kate was able to shine a light on their work through the odd royal engagement, her limitations as a royal patron meant that she would never be able to lobby to keep it going.

The third landmark announcement: This week’s awareness drive launch is the third “landmark” announcement by the Princess of Wales on this topic in as many years. The message is essential, and she makes a serious case, but no matter how many versions of it we hear, Kate’s hope and a wish are unlikely to bring the necessary solutions. Given that Kensington Palace says this is her “life’s work”, I hope she can eventually prove me wrong.

[From Yahoo UK]

While I know what Scobie is doing here – and god knows, he has his own set of limitations as part of the royal press pack – it would be interesting if he actually came out and said it. Like, he’s going too far to half-way excuse Kate here: “while Kate was able to shine a light on their work through the odd royal engagement, her limitations as a royal patron meant that she would never be able to lobby to keep it going.” Kate could easily brush off the shackles of her royal patron “limitations” if she wanted to. She could have hosted fundraisers for the Art Room, she could have used her staff to come up with some kind of scheme to raise money online by selling the students’ art, she could have done a lot more than she did. It wasn’t because of the limitations of the royal role, it was because Kate is lazy, dull and unimaginative.

THAT is the larger problem – while the royal-patronage system is deeply flawed, all of these people could do a lot more without being called “political.” And seriously, if the point of Kate’s dumbf–k Early Years campaign is to raise awareness of just how basic and fundamental it is to give children a head start in life, why is that political? That’s the argument she could make, if she had two brain cells to rub together. “All kids need access to nursery schools and Head Start programs” is only a political hot potato if you think poor children don’t deserve to be nurtured.

-

" her limitations as a royal patron meant that she would never be able to lobby to keep it going."

Complete nonsense. Meghan would have found a way.

Kate really is a useless waste of space. Who just loves to pose. And copy Meghan's outfits.

[beatrice-otter]

signal boost: Women Voters in the UK: pro-trans action to sign

Open letter to Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer: https://twitter.com/DocPhoenix/status/1654453592135286786 https://twitter.com/speakoutsister/status/1654471897143279618  Open letter to Rishi Sunak MP, Prime Minister and Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the opposition from UK women voters Dear Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer We are writing to you as women concerned by rising transphobia and attacks on trans people in the UK under the guise of defending women’s rights. We reject completely the idea that the inclusion of trans people in single sex spaces and services they already use is a threat to women. Where it is proportionate, trans women can already be excluded under existing law. Excluding all trans people is practically unworkable and will harm all women by putting added pressures on services. The focus on trans people as a supposed women’s rights issue detracts from the many important issues facing women today. The cost of living, access to childcare, access to healthcare and violence against women are all key concerns. The Prime Minister and leader of the opposition should focus on these - tackling inflation and protecting women on low incomes, providing low cost high quality childcare, reducing NHS waiting lists, improving access UK wide to contraception and abortion, improving maternity services, tackling police corruption and increasing successful prosecutions for domestic violence and rape. Women are more likely to support trans inclusion than men. The claim that trans people and trans inclusion threaten women’s rights is false. We call on you both, as Prime Minister and leader of the opposition, to listen to the genuine concerns of women in the UK and refocus on these vital issues. Signed. comments Comment? https://ift.tt/2Xgre6o

[hamiltonwallis]

Navigating Childcare Services in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: In the bustling landscape of the United Kingdom, navigating childcare services can be both exciting and daunting for parents. Whether you're a seasoned parent or embarking on the journey for the first time, understanding the diverse range of childcare options available is crucial for making informed decisions about your child's care and development. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various types of childcare services offered in the UK, their features, regulations, and tips for selecting the right option for your family.

Types of Childcare Services:

Nurseries:

Nurseries provide childcare for children typically aged from birth to five years old.

They offer structured learning activities, playtime, and often follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.

Nurseries are regulated by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) and must meet certain standards regarding safety, staff-to-child ratios, and quality of care.

Childminders:

Childminders are self-employed individuals who provide childcare in their own homes.

They offer a more personalized approach and may cater to children of varying ages.

Childminders are also regulated by Ofsted and undergo training and inspections to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.

Preschools/Playgroups:

Preschools, also known as playgroups, offer part-time childcare and early education for children aged two to five.

They focus on socialization, play-based learning, and preparing children for school.

Like nurseries, preschools adhere to the EYFS framework and are subject to Ofsted inspections.

After-School Clubs:

After-school clubs provide care for school-aged children outside of regular school hours.

They offer a range of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and homework assistance.

These clubs may operate within schools or community centers and are regulated for safety and quality.

Nanny Services:

Nannies offer personalized childcare within the family's home.

They provide full-time or part-time care and may also take on household duties related to the children.

While not regulated by Ofsted, reputable nanny agencies can help in finding qualified and vetted candidates.

Choosing the Right Childcare:

Consider your child's age, personality, and developmental needs.

Visit multiple childcare providers to observe the environment, interact with staff, and ask questions about their approach to care and education.

Check Ofsted ratings and reviews from other parents to gauge the quality of childcare services.

Assess practical considerations such as location, hours of operation, cost, and flexibility.

Regulations and Funding:

Childcare providers must adhere to legal requirements regarding health and safety, staff qualifications, and child protection.

Parents may be eligible for financial support through government schemes such as Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit, or childcare vouchers.

Free early education entitlements are available for children aged three and four, as well as eligible two-year-olds, providing access to a certain number of funded hours per week.

Conclusion: Childcare Services in UK play a vital role in supporting families and nurturing the development of young children. By understanding the different types of childcare options available, conducting thorough research, and considering individual needs and preferences, parents can make informed decisions to ensure the well-being and growth of their children. Whether it's the structured environment of a nursery, the personalized care of a childminder, or the flexibility of a nanny, there's a childcare solution tailored to every family's unique circumstances.

[opencollegecoventry]

Business Name: UK Open College

Street Address: Union House, 111 New Union Street

City: Coventry

County: West Midlands

Zip Code: CV1 2NT

Country: United Kingdom

Business Phone: 0121 792 3872

Business Email: Enrolment: enquiries@ukopencollege.co.uk, Student Support: studentsupport@ukopencollege.co.uk

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Business Description: Accredited online Training Provider,. A full range of accredited courses Fully Recognised Qualifications Study online or at home - Flexible Learning TQUK Approved Centre Approved to issue NUS (Totum) student cards 14 Years of Trading - Enrol with confidence Over 50,000 learners have qualified with us! Spread the cost of your fees with one of our Interest Free payment plans - Guaranteed Finance !

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[llminukmeridean]

University of East London Acceptance Rate

Overview

The University of East London ranks in the world's top 250 young Universities (THE 2021). The institute is one of the best academic universities. UEL is among London's leading universities for employability. It is one of the best institutes to study in UK.

The university is famous for providing international students with excellent support services. It ranks number one in the UK for its visa advice and language support.

UEL ranks 801 in QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities. According to student reviews, it has a score of 4.2 stars.

About the University of East London

The University of East London was founded in 1898. It is a public university in the London Borough of Newham, London, England.

The 124 years long legacy of the university has survived wars, celebrated momentous supporting events and fought society’s biggest sustainability issues. It is a careers-first university. The institute prepares its students for the future and makes them industry ready.

The institute has collaborated with industry to re-develop, re-design and validate our course portfolio, so the knowledge our students gain reflects the changing needs of industry and prepares our learners for sustainable careers of the future.

The university's student community comprises 25,195 total students from 140 different countries studying at the University of East London and collaborative partners.

 

Why Choose University of East London?

The University of East London ensures you’re ready for a rewarding career. With work placements, networking opportunities, and tools to cope with unexpected situations, it gives you everything you need to succeed.

Whether as artists, architects or accountants, their graduates are making an impact in their communities.

Here are a few reasons you should consider studying at the University of East London.

The University of East London QS Ranking and Times Higher Education University Ranking are in the 801-1000 band ranking of global universities.

Ranked 127 by the Complete University Guide.

Ranked 114 by the Guardian Univerity Rankings.

Huge and modern infrastructure

State-of-the-art-facilities and resources

One of the top research universities in the UK.

Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme develops your emotional, cultural and cognitive intelligence alongside digital skills, communication, resilience and entrepreneurship.

A part of the local community and well-connected to the rest of London and the world.

At the University of East London, you will benefit from learning alongside people worldwide.

Their flexible Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) model of education offers a customisable model that considers your strengths, skills and personal circumstances, putting you in control of what you learn and how you learn.

Offers part-time options and has childcare available on campus.

Read More-: University of East London 

[yourfamilymediation]

Business Name: Your Family Mediation

Street Address: Brookfield Barn, Potterspury Lodge

City: Towcester

County: Northamptonshire

Zip Code: NN12 7LL

Country: United Kingdom

Business Phone: 0330 332 5878

Business Email: info@yourfamilymediation.co.uk

Website: https://yourfamilymediation.co.uk/

Business Description: Family mediation is a process that can help couples who are separating or divorcing to reach agreements on property, finance, and childcare arrangements.

Sometimes it is used as an alternative to using solicitors. In other cases, mediation can run alongside the work of the solicitors.

With recent changes in the UK divorce laws, Mediation is now regarded by many as the modern way for couples to deal with separation and divorce more amicably. In many cases, it is less stressful especially if children are involved, and far more cost-effective than the traditional route of solely using solicitors.

Contact Your Family Mediation today for a 15 min free consultation to find out how we can help you make this challenging time.

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[ukrfeminism]

Women in the public sector are quitting their jobs due to being blocked from working flexibly with three in ten seeing their requests rejected, according to a major new study.

Researchers at Unison, the UK’s largest trade union, who polled just over 44,000 women working across the public sector, found three in ten working in hospitals, schools, care homes, town halls, police stations and other key services had pleas to work flexibly denied.

Some women said employers told them to leave their job or use annual leave if they want to work flexibly, while others report their requests were immediately blocked on the same day they were put in. Struggles to access flexible working meant some women had quit their jobs, researchers warned.

Christina McAnea, Unison’s general secretary, said: “Too many employers are still turning down flexible working requests, which means the right to request is pretty meaningless for many women. The right to work flexibly from day one would be beneficial for staff and employers alike, and help bring workplaces into the 21st century.”

Helping women juggle work with childcare and caring for loved ones can enable workplaces to recruit for jobs which are tricky to fill and likely boost the quality of public services, she added.

Ms McAnea said: “It’s disheartening to see many employers continuing to deny their staff the opportunity to work flexibly. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"But sadly many women who find they need to inject some flexibility into their working lives are coming up against employers with inconsistent, rigid and unimaginative attitudes. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, some form of flexible working is achievable in most workplaces.”

A quarter of those women who were informed they could not change their working conditions say their requests were rejected on a number of occasions.

Researchers also found more than two fifths of women were told they could not work flexibly because doing so would harm the service being provided, while almost three in ten were informed there would not be enough colleagues to cover for them. 

A fifth had their request rejected due to managers saying doing so would result in colleagues making similar pleas, while around one in seven were not provided with a reason by their employer.

New flexible working legislation comes into force in April which gives employees a statutory right to ask for flexible working from day one at a new job. While this is an improvement on the current wait of six months to ask, Unison warn employers are too easily able to block flexible working requests.

Emily*, who works in the energy sector, said she only managed to get her flexible return to work from maternity leave agreed just before she was due to return to work. 

“The process was horrendous,” she said. “I had to submit several requests and they were all turned down within days. I was stunned. I was caring for my baby and having huge levels of anxiety simply trying to get some flexibility at work. I was scared I’d lose my job. It dragged on so much I couldn’t sort out childcare. The process left me traumatised.”

While Nadia*, a local government worker with a disability, was blocked from working flexibly even though she had medical notes written up by her doctor. 

“I had a very supportive manager during the pandemic and we all worked well during that time,” Nadia, a single mother of two, added. “But as the situation eased, my new manager suddenly wanted everybody in the office all the time. Daily attendance then worsened my condition and I had to go off sick for a few months to recover. Being able to work from home on the days I’m struggling would make a huge difference, and also make it easier to look after my children.”

Helen*, a specialist nurse and single mother of three, explained she was repeatedly blocked from working flexibly.

She said: “I had to go down a pay band to get some flexibility, which put me and my family in financial difficulty. I was told if they allowed me to work flexibly they’d have to do the same for others. But others aren’t in my situation. 

“I'm a survivor of domestic violence and have no family support. The process was awful and I was made to feel like a massive inconvenience. Now I don’t want to be a nurse any more and am looking for a new job in retail. I’ve had to take time off because of the stress and anxiety I experienced. It shouldn’t be like this as I do love my job.”

*Names changed

[shosiblog]

What Resources Are Available for Women Returning to Work After Maternity Leave?

Returning to work after maternity leave can be both exciting and challenging. Balancing the demands of a new baby with work responsibilities often requires a period of adjustment. Fortunately, many resources are available to support women as they transition back into the workplace. These resources range from legal protections to support networks and practical tools that help ensure a smoother return.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key resources available for women returning to work after maternity leave. Plus, if you're preparing to take maternity leave, be sure to check out our guide on How to Write a Maternity Leave Application: A Step-by-Step Guide for a detailed process to get started.

1. Legal Protections

One of the most important resources for women returning to work after maternity leave is the legal framework in place to protect their rights.

FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act): In the U.S., the FMLA guarantees eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for the birth and care of a newborn child. This ensures that your position (or a similar one) will be available when you return to work.

Maternity Leave Policies (Country-specific): Depending on where you live, maternity leave policies may vary. Countries such as Canada, the UK, and many in Europe offer longer, paid maternity leaves. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your country's maternity leave rights and protections.

2. Flexible Work Arrangements

Many organizations offer flexible work arrangements that can help ease the transition back into the workforce. Consider discussing these options with your employer to accommodate your new responsibilities as a parent.

Phased Return: Some companies allow new mothers to gradually increase their working hours after returning from maternity leave. This phased return helps balance the demands of both work and family life.

Remote Work or Hybrid Work: If possible, explore the option of working remotely or in a hybrid setting. This can provide additional flexibility and make the transition smoother, allowing you to work from home part of the time.

Part-Time Work: Many women choose to return to work part-time initially. If this is an option, it can help maintain work-life balance during the early months of motherhood.

3. Childcare Resources

Finding reliable and quality childcare is often one of the biggest challenges for new mothers returning to work. Fortunately, many resources can help you navigate this process.

On-site Childcare: Some companies offer on-site childcare facilities, making it easier for working mothers to be close to their children during the day.

Subsidized Childcare Programs: Depending on where you live, government programs may offer subsidized childcare options, reducing the financial burden on families.

Childcare Finder Services: There are numerous online platforms that help parents find trusted childcare providers, such as Care.com or local childcare directories, which can streamline the search process.

4. Breastfeeding Support

For mothers who are breastfeeding, returning to work can add a layer of complexity. Many organizations and resources provide support for working mothers who choose to continue breastfeeding.

Lactation Rooms: Many companies now provide dedicated lactation rooms for nursing mothers. These private spaces allow you to pump milk comfortably during the workday.

Breastfeeding Breaks: Under U.S. law, for example, nursing mothers are entitled to reasonable breaks to express breast milk during work hours. Other countries have similar provisions in place, so check with your HR department.

Breastfeeding Support Groups: Many organizations, both online and in-person, offer support groups where working mothers can connect, share experiences, and offer advice on breastfeeding while working.

5. Professional Development and Career Coaching

Returning to work after maternity leave doesn’t just mean catching up on old tasks—it may also involve advancing in your career or updating your skills.

Mentorship Programs: Some companies offer mentorship programs specifically designed for women returning from maternity leave, providing guidance on navigating career development and work-life balance.

Career Coaching: Specialized career coaches focus on helping women return to the workforce after maternity leave, offering tailored advice on managing the transition and continuing career progression.

Skill-building Platforms: Consider taking advantage of online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or other professional development courses to enhance your skills or update your knowledge in your field.

6. Emotional and Mental Health Resources

Transitioning back to work while adjusting to motherhood can be emotionally and mentally challenging. Accessing the right support can make a huge difference in managing these demands.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many organizations offer EAPs, which provide confidential counseling and emotional support services for employees dealing with stress, anxiety, or other personal issues.

Support Groups for New Moms: Joining a support group for new mothers, either through your workplace or in your community, can help provide emotional support from others who are in a similar situation.

Work-Life Balance Counseling: Professional counseling services may help you create strategies for managing the balance between work, family, and self-care, helping you prevent burnout.

7. Workplace Re-entry Programs

Several companies have designed re-entry programs to support women returning to work after maternity leave, particularly those who have taken extended time off.

Returnships: Some organizations offer returnship programs, which are similar to internships but specifically for employees re-entering the workforce after a career break. These programs can help refresh your skills and ease you back into your role.

HR Support: Your company's HR department may have resources specifically for women returning to work after maternity leave, including training sessions, job re-entry workshops, or networking opportunities.

Conclusion

Returning to work after maternity leave can be a complex journey, but with the right resources, you can navigate this transition smoothly. From flexible work options and legal protections to emotional support and professional development, there are many tools available to help you succeed.

If you’re preparing for maternity leave or already planning your return, don’t forget to check out our detailed guide on How to Write a Maternity Leave Application: A Step-by-Step Guide, which provides valuable insights for getting the process started on the right foot.