Email Justine Greening MP (Childminders) Read the petition First Name Last Name Email constituency / postcode Dear Secretary of State, I am writing to you today regarding my fears over future childcare provision, and to ask you to reverse a Government decision that will have a catastrophic effect on the childcare sector, including higher costs for parents and the very real risk of a lower quality of care provided for young children. As a childminder, I am deeply concerned - along with many others who have joined the campaign to #SaveOurEarlyYears - about the negative impact of the Government’s decision that all Level 3 Early Years Educators (EYEs) must have at least a C grade in GCSE English and maths to count in the ratios, with no equitable alternative such as Functional Skills allowed. I agree that English and maths are important – but the insistence on GCSE as the only accepted qualification for those wanting to work in my sector, without the consideration of equitable alternatives such as Functional Skills, is short-sighted and potentially disastrous. Your policy will bite from this September, and will rob the sector of potential new recruits who have the potential to provide brilliant childcare. Already many childcare providers are reporting staff shortages, meaning they will struggle to provide the 30 hours free childcare promised to parents. Action must be taken – that is why I am supporting the #SaveOurEarlyYears campaign, which calls on the Government to level the playing field for the childcare sector and consider Functional Skills as an acceptable qualification for EYEs to count in the ratios. Functional Skills are recognised by the Government in other sectors, so why not EYEs? There is already a recruitment crisis, childcare costs are rising for parents, and this policy will only make things worse. It would be a simple change for you to make - but have a hugely positive impact. I do hope you will listen, and will again agree to accept Functional Skills as an equivalent qualification for EYEs to count in the ratios. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Yours sincerely, [signature] Also send this to my local MP Send to Justine Greening MP Share this with your friends: Your email Help us get the attention of Education Secretary Justine Greening by sending this pre-written email to her office in Westminster. Feel free to personalise the text of your message in the box provided.
