National Childminding Association
The National Childminding Association is the professional body to which over 50,000 childminders belong. Membership is also available to parents and to other persons or organizations committed to quality childcare. It is a national charity and membership organization which speaks on behalf of registered childminders in both England and Wales. Membership of the organization raises childminders profile among other professionals and parents.
NCMA speaks as one voice for childminders, working with the media and all political parties to promote registered childminding. They monitor legislation which affects childminding activities such as fire regulation, planning requirements, environmental Heath legislation and the police bill.
The NCMA works with employers, local authorities, training bodies and central government departments, helping them recognize the importance of childminding and how they can support childminders both locally and nationally.
The NCMA campaigns for consistent national standards of training, registration and inspection for childminders, ensuring that children and parents will receive the best of care, and that registered childminders can receive the support required to work in a professional manner.
The NCMA has produced a quality childminding charter to encourage all its members to provide high quality services. These standards are used by NCMA members and cover areas including:
- Children's learning and development
- Equal opportunities and anti discrimination
- Confidentiality
- Keeping children safe
- Business practice
Click here to see the NCMA's Quality Standards
The NCMA encourages its members to join local childminding groups that provide a network of support in their local area.
NCMA Membership Benefits
- 'Who Minds', a quarterly magazine for NCMA members offering news, training information, campaigns, free gifts and competitions.
- NCMA Advice Line, offers help and support for childminders and parents on all aspects of childminding.
- Legal Advice Line, this service is for NCMA members only, providing free, professional advice on any legal problem from contracts to conveyance, from divorce to car insurance claims.
- Public Liability Insurance is offered by the NCMA as well as other insurance policies recommended for childminders, these include home contents, car insurance with business cover, equipment loan and personal accidents.
- Leaflets, books and training packs on a range of subjects for parents and
childminders, including:
- EYFS
- The Children's Act
- Children's learning
- Setting up a network
- Choosing a childminder
- Cashbook and attendance register
- Child record forms
- Accident and Medication book
- Childminding contracts
Contact the NCMA
NCMA,
Royal Court,
81 Tweedy Road,
Bromley,
Kent
BR1 1TG
email: info@ncma.org.uk
or visit their web page at www.ncma.org.uk
