About the LBCMA?
The Leighton Buzzard Childminding Association or LBCMA for short is the support group for those working as registered childminders in Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding area.
History of the Group
In 1985 Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable had a combined support group. This was attended regularly by childminders and was supported by childminding advisor Janet Spicer who was based at the Social Services Department in Dunstable, she was also directly involved in the running of the group.
In 1986 Dunstable was considering splitting from the group. The group were running a drop-in at the CVO premises in Leighton Buzzard in April of 1986.
In April 1986 Dunstable started their own group, and the constitution was adapted for the Leighton Buzzard fraction of the group. Hence forward known as the LBCMA.
In 1988 the group ran the six week induction course for new childminders as well as a drop in held at the Moorings.
Now in 2005 the group has been in existence 20 years, and can claim a proud history of providing support and encouraging the training of hundreds of childminders in Leighton and the surrounding area.
The Management Committee
The affairs of the LBCMA are managed by a committee of volunteers drawn from its membership.
Currently the committee consists of 7 people, 6 of whom are registered childminders, the seventh is a parent representative whose child is cared for by a registered childminder.
Support help and advice is also provided by non committee members when the need arises.
LBCMA Member Benefits
The LBCMA provides it's members with:
- A chance to meet other childminders for social get-togethers.
- Swapping of vacancies
- Discussion of childminding problems
- Opportunity for advice over terms and conditions, wording of contracts and keeping up to date with current charges, new rules and legislation
- Saving on NCMA membership and Public liability insurance through group membership of the NCMA
- Cheaper access to the local scrap store
- Useful ways of exchanging, selling and buying of toys and equipment
- The opportunity to attend annual Christmas party, outings and other events
- Chance to attend many talks on subjects ranging from child protection, first aid and cake icing.
- Helps you to keep up to date with current courses available, e.g. health and safety, first aid, and may offer grants towards these. The latest sponsorship enabled 11 childminders to do full Red Cross 1st aid course, more sponsorship was channeled to childminders for NVQ's.
The Way Forward
- The LBCMA will continue to offer support to existing childminders, newly registered childminders, those considering registering and to parents.
- The group will promote registered childminding as a positive part of daycare and education provision.
- The group will endeavor to encourage the inclusion of registered childminders on the EYDP plans.
- The group will encourage additional training for childminders and the adoption of the NCMA quality charter amongst childminders.
- The group will strive to encourage a forum for discussions and social events for both childminders and children.
