What Networks Provide and How
A children come first childminding network can provide either one type of service, or a combination of services, specific to local needs for:
- Out of school places
- Community childminding places for children and families with special needs
- Educational places within EYDP's and local Sure Start initiations
- Return to work seminars
- College orientated childcare
- Safety, fewer 'latch key kids'
- Sure Start
- Children 'in need'
- Multi purpose network
Childminders as Providers of Education
- The low numbers of children create ample opportunities for individual attention. This is a key factor in supporting early learning.
- The home-base setting together with the surrounding environment provides a rich source of opportunities as well as structured play, other learning activities and experiences. There by enabling nursery standard education within a home setting.
- Continuity of care is a key factor in supporting children's emotional development. Emotional well being is an essential pre-requisite for early linguistic and cognitive development. Childminding is the only form of provision providing continuity through the various stages from babyhood to full time school and beyond.
- Childminding is age-integrated, children are at varying stages of development. Children benefit from the interaction and the enhanced learning opportunities this provides.
Role of the coordinator
- Recruiting to the network registered childminders whose current practice meets the NCMA quality childminding charter.
- Visiting the childminders regularly and monitoring them to ensure quality is maintained.
- Providing and arranging training opportunities, practical support, advice and information.
- Matching childminders and families.
- Liaising with the local Education Authority over the provision of education by accredited childminders.
- Help parents find alternative care at short notice because of sickness or holidays.
- Organizes continued training for childminders.
Childminding networks may be subsidized by employers to reduce the cost for working parents, or by TEC's or other organizations while their parents train for work.
As a local employer you may want to get involved in the development of a Children Come First childminding network in your area, or, if you prefer NCMA can help you set up a network tailored to the needs of your staff. (contact the NCMA regional office in Bedford on 01234-211921)
