Introducing Childminding Practice (ICP)
I gained a Diploma in Pre-School Practice, several years ago when my own children were
small but wanted to gain a recognised qualification, specific to Childminding. Due to the
nature of my husband's employment, it's not possible for me to commit to a regular college
course in the evenings.
So, I opted to study " Introducing Childminding Practice " via the NEC ( National Extension College Tel 01223 400200 / www.nec.ac.uk ) which specialises in home study courses. It's the first stage of a three tier award to gain a C.C.P ( Certificate in Childminding Practice :~ ICP, DCP & ECP ). To help towards the cost I applied for a government grant called an Individual Learning Account ( no longer available ). I sent off the enrolment form plus cheque and about a week later, my course materials arrived though the post along with a personal letter from my allocated tutor with contact details etc.
It comprised of an A4 folder with the ICP syllabus inside which was divided into six separate sections ; keeping children safe, working with children 1 ( routine, play & equal opportunities ), working with children 2 ( settling in, behavior, relationships with parents, child protection and starting in business ). Also included were Assignment forms, a Candidates Guide, Assignment Guide and CACHE booklet ( Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education ).
I found the individual sections very concise and easy to understand. The course should take about 12 hours to complete but I did it in a week over three evenings. In order to gain the ICP, four assignments have to be completed:
- Introductory letter about yourself i.e. family set up, childcare experience
- Assessing your home for Safety and Establishing Routines
- Settling Children and Giving Information to Parents
When these are completed, you can send them either individually or en masse to your assigned tutor to be marked along with an assignment sheet and SAE, which is returned asap with comments.
The fourth and final assignment has a 1500 word limit, is marked by your assigned tutor again and then by CACHE for external verification. It consists of two parts:
- You have to briefly explain nine allocated aspects of childminding
- Choose one of the latter aspects to discuss in detail along with a list of sources used to help i.e. books, websites.
When you pass, the NEC issues you with its own Course Completion Certificate. If you require the official ICP one from CACHE who's the governing body, you must pay a registration fee to NEC, if you're not already a CACHE member. They will give you a PIN number which you quote to have any other applicable courses accredited and it lasts for five years.
From my personal experience of home study with NEC, I'd recommend it. I liked the fact that I had up to 2 years to complete the course, could go at my own pace and fit it in, around existing home and childminding commitments.
On the negative side, I did miss not being able to discuss things etc with others in the same situation, it was slightly more expensive than the course run at my local college and most importantly, the need for self discipline is crucial. I didn't find it myself but could imagine others being distracted from study by their favourite TV programme or " I'll just have a break and do it in a moment " syndrome.
I enjoyed it so much that I'm about to enrol on the DCP ( Developing Childminding Practice ) with NEC. My best advice is to give it a try for yourself.
I think that the ICP is of value to all childminders, it refreshes knowledge to those already caring which tends to be taken for granted and is a valuable source of information for newcomers, undergoing the registration process.
Serene Young, registered childminder
www.totscare.co.uk
