Looking after children Options

[GMR]

Looking after children.

I was talking to somebody today who looks after children (they've been doing it for years). They told me that if they were going to do it now they wouldn't bother. Too much paperwork, too much bureaucracy, too many checks, where years ago it was easier. Also she was telling me that she had to go on a first Aid Course and it cost her £130 (which was a two day course). The last time she went it was just £50. She is also made to go on other courses because the council/ the law requires it; all of this she has to pay out of her own pocket. She doesn't earn that much in the first place.

She also told me that they are crying out for more child minders. Police checks she understands - even though it will not stop a child being abused - but all the rest, is it necessary? Aren't we throwing the baby out with the bath water? Because it is so expensive and bureaucratic it is turning people away. Is all this crap necessary just to protect children; even though there is no guarantee it will protect children? If we are turning people away from this profession shouldn't we re-look at it again to see if we could simplify things, make it less expensive and at the same time make sure that everyone is police checked.