December 2001 Newsletter

Welcome to our December newsletter. We hope you all enjoyed the Christmas Party and that you have lots of fun over Christmas and the New Year.

Morning Chat

These are held every Wednesday during term time between 9.30-11.30am at the Youth Centre, Church Road (off Wing Road), together with the ‘Mother and Toddler Group’. Providing an opportunity for carers to talk, for children to play with a different range of toys and to socialise with other children.

Vacancies?

Inquirers for childminders traditionally increase in the new year. Don’t forget to inform the CIS and Tunja if you have spaces you wish to fill. It is also most helpful if you inform us when spaces are filled.

Illegal Childminding

Do you have illegal childminders on your patch? In addition to poaching your customers they may be putting their charges at risk. These persons are unlikely to be insured, have had training or offer emergency cover. They are often guilty of defrauding the tax office and giving the term childminding a bad ‘press’.

If you or a parent suspects someone of operating illegally you can check with the CIS on Tel: 01234-228229. If they are not listed with the CIS ask if they will report the person involved to Ofsted, or call Ofsted your self on 0845-6014772.

First Aid Training

With Ofsted now well and truly here, all newly registered childminders have 6 months to gain a first aid certificate, those of you who have been childminding a little longer have six months from the Ofsted take over, that means you need to have a certificate by March.

For details of current First Aid courses, phone the Adult Education Centre on 01525 - 375769.

Makaton

There is a course being run through Spurgeons in the new year. The course will run over three evenings, all of which need to be attended to receive your certificate. For more information contact Val Murray on 01234-214427.

Fire Safety and Ofsted

The LBCMA has been liaising with the fire service over training to meet the new Ofsted regulations. We are arranging for this training to benefit all childminders locally and then following on from this for childminders across the county.

Training will include how to work out, write and practice your emergency escape plan, how to stop burning toast from setting off your fire alarm with out removing the battery, how to test your Co2 detector is really working, how to use your compulsory fire blanket, teaching children about fire safety etc. The course will be over one evening date to be arranged. A certificate will be awarded for this course which can be added to your information (portfolio) shown to Ofsted and any prospective customers.

Child Protection

New procedures are to be issued, every childminder in the county will be receiving their copy in January. In the meantime if you have a child who you consider to be ‘at risk’, phone the CIS on 01234-228229 they will be able to put you in touch with the appropriate agents.

Web Site Update - www.lbcma.org.uk

The site has now had a total of over 3200 hits, we have been busy adding new articles to the site in the last few months, too many to list in full here, log on and check them out for yourself.

New features on this site include: Multiculturalism on a budget, Equal Opportunities, Caring for children with special needs, including seizures, asthma and others. A Festival Calendar with information and activities. What to do when parents are late/ don’t pay. What to put in a portfolio and what policies you might need. New qualifications, including child protection and hygiene, and information on study centres where other relevant courses are available. The web site also contains many other helpful articles.

If you don’t have web access and would like a copy of these articles, please contact us. They will be sent with your next news letter, or you may collect them at one of our meetings.

Trip to Safeways

The children and childminders had a wonderful time. We toured the store, the children played in the fridge and the freezer, explored the whare house, spied on the bakery and each child put the jam into doughnuts which they got to take home. They also received free hats and a goody bag. We were also provided with a superb mid morning selection of snacks and drinks. Just how they got the jam into the middle of the doughnuts? Well the children were sworn to secrecy, If you missed the event you’ll have to join us next time.

Christmas Party

There was lots of tasty food at this indoor picnic. The 24 children had picnic boxes full of children’s favourite foods and treats. The big bouncy castle was a huge success. Children received some wonderful presents from Santa, photos can be seen on our web site.

AGM

This AGM will be held on Tuesday 22^nd January 2002 at 8.00pm. Attending is a great way to meet other childminders and swap information. You can also make your opinion heard, is there something we should be doing that we aren’t or do you have ideas for future meetings, come and let us know. The AGM meeting will be concise and time is available for conversation and savouring of the wine and nibbles provided.

££ stop press ££ The first ten childminders through the door will receive a goody bag, the contents of which totals in excess of £25. Venue for the meeting is (contact for venue). Please come and support your group.

Coffee Morning and Discussion Group

To be held at (contact for venue) on Thursday 14^th February from 10.00 - 12.00am. Topics suggested so far include Ofsted, Ofsted inspections and computer use. All childminders and their charges are welcome.

Messy Morning

To be held March 14^th at 10.00am - 12.00am, and kindly hosted by Nicky. There will be a wide variety of art and craft activities on offer and childminders, their own children and their minded children plus any interested parents will be welcome. The Easter Bunny has been invited to this fun event. Tickets will be on sale with the March edition of your news letter.

Alex Pascall of Tele Tubby Fame

Alex will be appearing at the Under Fives conference in February. Among the topics he will cover are stories, rhythm and music. You will need to bring your percussion instruments. Home made ones are equally acceptable and fun for the children to make. Tickets will be £5 (tax deductable) and booking forms can be provided by Tunja (an Under Fives in Beds committee member).

Lost and Found

Would the owner of a pink fluffy Barbie handbag and contents found after the Christmas party please contact Tunja to arrange for its collection.

Julia Elliot

Julia would like to thank the LBCMA childminders for all our friendship, and has said that she will miss us all greatly.

Diary Dates

These are the dates of events and activities. It is suggested that you transfer them to your diary while they are fresh in your mind and before this news letter is mislaid.

Jan 22^nd AGM with wine and nibbles 8.00pm contact for venue
Feb 14^th Coffee Morning and Discussions 10.00am -12.00am contact for venue
Feb 16^th Under Fives in Beds Conference, 9.30am -1.00pm Ampthill
March 14^th Messy Morning 10.00am - 12.00am, contact for venue

Contact Tunja at child.minder@virgin.net You can also contact Tunja if you need help getting to an event.