Childminding Network
CHILDMINDING
Registered Childminders are self employed professional day carers who work in their own homes to provide care and education for reward. Childminders care for children from birth to their 18th birthday in a family setting, offering a flexibility of service that is sometimes difficult to find in other provisions.
All childminders are inspected and regulated by Ofsted, they must have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and hold a current first aid certificate. An Ofsted inspector checks their home to make sure it is safe for children and the childminder has to demonstrate to an Ofsted inspector how they meet the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
As self-employed people, childminders have the right to agree their own fees which can vary from area to area. A contract will need to be agreed between both parties to cover hours, holidays, overtime and other services.
In Birmingham childminders have the option to become members of a First Steps Network which is monitored by a network coordinator and links in with Children’s Centres. By choosing a childminder who is a member of a childminding network, parents can be re-assured that they are choosing a person whose practice is supported and monitored.
Our Children’s Centre has strong links with the childminders on the First Steps Network in the Erdington Stockland Green & Tyburn areas. Membership of a network is no guarantee of care but it does offer some assurance that the childminders on the network are committed to
·Holding a level 3 childcare qualification.
·Holding a quality assurance award on the NCMA Children Come First network.
·Working to NCMA quality standards
·Ongoing professional development that equates to 3 days per year
·Consistently meeting the welfare, learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
There are many childminders who are also accredited on the Children Come First (CCf) network that can offer government early education places for 3 & 4 year olds.
Networks have up to date information in order for parents to find a suitable childminder. Parents are welcome to contact the network coordinator for help with finding a network childminder in the local area, seeking back up care when their original childcare provider is not available or childminding advice and information.
For more information please contact Carol Knight, First Steps Network Co-ordinator direct at Featherstone Children’s Centre and Nursery School on 0121 675 3424 or 07793 183508. Further information can be found at www.ncma.org.uk
