Rigorous checks on childcare providers

I have been a registered childminder for 40 years, 35 of them in Telford and Wrekin.

May I reassure Name and Address Withheld (August 31), who wrote to the Shropshire Star concerning men and women becoming registered childminders, that people who wish to register have to approach their local integrated childcare service to apply.

They have to attend pre-registration meetings, training for First Aid, child protection, equal opportunities, food, health, hygiene, healthy eating and complete the Early Years Foundation Stage.

They are also subject to checks from their GPs, the Criminal Record Bureau and Ofsted (Office of Standards in Educations).

The list is endless, and this is before they actually receive their registration (licence, if you like) to care for children under five years and from eight to 12 years in their own homes.

I am certain that it would be on a very rare occasion that Ofsted would make a serious mistake and pass two, yet alone one person, to care for children if there was any doubt in their suitability.

Registered childminding alone stands out as the largest and most-used form of day care for under-fives, which proves we are very professional in our work.

Registered childminders need a social life as well and if Name and Address Withheld has a grievance concerning this, he or she should get out and enjoy their life.

Mrs M Seaman, Donnington