RE: Childminders and Childrens centres
by: Hils - 21-03-11 11:44
I work with childminders as a network Co-ordinator and in my borough all CC's are expected to work in partnership with childminders as part of the core offer. This works very well, as some CC's wished to use childminders to provide care for the under 3's, as several CC's do not offer childcare at all. Childminders work in partnership with the Centres, and are given support through network co-ordinators, childcare staff, teachers, teaching consultants and extended services teams. Childminders are welcome to use the Centres at all times, as they have a CRB so can access all parts of the Centres. This involvement has really helped break down barriers and has educated both Childminders and staff who now have a much better understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities, leading to more mutual respect.
We have enjoyed joint training/events/outings, and a network member who is currently working towards EYPS has used both a local CC and childminder colleagues to support her work.
Network childminders tend to be very committed and attend on average 30 hours of training a year (in their own time in the evenings), and 70% are level 3, 30% level 4 and 20% level 5 and above. They are all very professional, motivated and committed and all deliver the EYFS very well.