There is no better time to be part of the early years educational supply system than now. There are all kinds of new initiatives coming on board – in fact the web page outlining who governs what in the supply of education is completely saturated with articles on what is being announced right now and how to get funds for this project or that. Firstly though and at the forefront of every teaching establishment within the state system is the overriding principle – the department of education’s statutory guidance publications for schools and local authorities. Take the early years foundation framework – it includes not just all the guidance for schools and nurseries but also for childminders – these hard pressed privateers out in the towns and villages. Instead of just being that friendly helpful neighbour with a few hours a day to spare who took in children for a few pounds a week and gave them a biscuit and cup of milk and then bunged them in a playpen for the rest of the day. Far from it these days. There are formal guidelines telling minders exactly what is expected of them in their delivery of early years child care. They ae lumped together as minders but there are all sorts of designated sectors defining this type from that type. However, essentially they are required to provide a cohesive joined up form of very early years child care whilst the mums and dads go to work. The differences these days are clear. if the word must features in the framework, then that requirement is mandatory. No ifs or buts. If a requiement is referred to as should, then minders must take the guidane into account when delivering the requirements and should follow it but can vary if there is good compelling reason to do so.