Sounds attractive, but

[lynne ferguson]

I'm doubtful about this idea: it would over-formalise any arrangements made, and once the government becomes involved in any part of children's lives it seems to wish to regulate it too much. I don't fancy being inspected!

[pupua]

If the government pays carers,and grandparents are carers,then we should get paid.i am happy to do the training,however i would only look after my grandson.does anyone know if that is possible? Do/can grandparents qualify? i wouldnt mind adhering to a standard that meant my grandson is safer.in fact i would welcome it. The firebrigade would come and help me take preventitive measure to keep my home safe,why not a childcare person to do the same.

[boot1947]

"why not a childcare person to do the same?"

Having had our own children without, presumably, a bunch of guidance from anyone in particular, are we not 'childcare persons' ourselves? Even though we're older, can we not trust the same instincts we had first time round? In fact, we could probably teach them a thing or two ourselves!

[sharincornwall]

The Govenment will always expect somthing in return for giving somthing out, especially if it's spondoolies.

I wouldn't want to have to be inspected just to recieve a monetary supplement but would do so if it helped us all out financially.

[pupua]

Surely any information that can keep us up to date is good isnt it.? Who on this earth can say that they know it all.its that very arrogance that can worry new parents,we must remain open minded and be happy to be informed and guided to do the best job that we can.I am sure there are still people out there who were hit as a child,bullied by parents,and believe honestly that "it didnt do me any harm",then its ok to continue the practice. Of course its not.Mothering is a profession and we must act as part of a professional group of people,learning and sharering and evolving as we go. simple example....my parents didnt understand skin cancer therefore didnt use sunscreens on us when we were little.I have had four skin cancers taken off my face...not a good look. Do i now use sunscreen on my grandson,you bet i do.I am informed therefore i act accordingly

[pupua]

Oh so we are are happy to take british tax payers handouts without the responsiblity that goes with it! Some of us inform ourselves and some of us need informing.I have made my house as "child proof" as possible,you know baby gates,fire gaurds,socket plugs,oven gaurds. Yet if everyone did what was necesary then the accident rates of little children would go down. Yet it isnt. So,for those who may not do the research before you become carers,then accidents may and will happen. For homes to set themselves up as professional child carers then they must satisfy some pretty basic standards in order to get their licence. This is done to protect the child,and to help the carer do their job.So whats the problem here,are we so arrogant that we cant be advised any more? Wont be informed on how to keep our granchildren safe! If this the case we shouldnt take on the job as carers. We are past it.

[Sarah Valerie]

I read and talk about and watch childcare programmes.I bought a car seat,I feed according to parents wishes,I buy books and toys and go on trips to the library and the park.I take the little one out to lunch,we feed the ducks.Sometimes we watch Bob the Builder.All this is a privilege,I dont want paying.I have given nothing up to care for my grandson;indeed my life has been enriched by the experience.Pupua you seem very angry about a lot of things I hope you are happy underneath it all.Vxx

[pupua]

not angry.Just passionate about what i believe in and still willing and capable of expressing my opinion,isnt this one of the points of the forum.Or should we just stick to knitting and agreeing with each other. Turning grey and invisible,no strong opinions either way.We are called GRANDPARENTS for a reason,not mousey,passive,pale shadows of our former selves. So we dont agree GREAT! the GB tradition of debate is alive and well.

[boot1947]

"So whats the problem here,are we so arrogant that we cant be advised any more? Wont be informed on how to keep our granchildren safe! If this the case we shouldnt take on the job as carers. We are past it"

Blimey - how dogmatic! I don't think 'we' are either arrogant or uninformed. I think 'we' all want to keep our grandchildren safe - why would we not? We are all informed through all sorts of media on how to do it. What I would strongly object to is some kind of Government programme for grandparents. What next - a compulsory NVQ in grannying?

[jack]

Could you give the rescue breath of life, do life saving chest compressions on your grand daughter?

Know what to do if she choked on a peanut,or swallowed a marble?

Be able to stop the blood flow from a gushing wound before the ambulance arrived?

She has swallowed your angina tablets...now what?

She pulls on the cord and a kettle full of boiling water falls over her face...what do you do next?

Two million children a year visit A&E because they have been hurt in an accident. Injuries such as those caused by burns,falling down stairs and poisoning are the leading cause of death in ages 1-14.

Over 230 children died in 1 year from accidents that might have been prevented.
A simple qualification starting with first aid! its got my vote.