Fourways Partnership
Extended Services for the New Forest
National Childminders Association
Information from the local NCMA Network Coordinator - Heidi Rehman
Registered Childminders provide the most significant proportion of full day childcare for both pre-school and out-of-school children. For many families, childminding is the preferred choice of care and education service because:-
· The hours are flexible - full-time, part-time, overnight and weekends
· The service is widely available in the family's own community
· Siblings of varying ages can be catered for in the same setting
· Home-based care can be provided from birth to 14 years
· Childminders can offer support to parents bringing up their children
All registered childminders must meet the requirements of registration laid down by Ofsted and meet the Early Years foundation stage and welfare standards for Childminding. All childminders are rigorously vetted and subject to an inspection of their homes and working practices to comply with the Welfare Standards. This includes safety, health, equipment, equal opportunities, behaviour management and child protection, as well as providing a stimulating learning and play environment.
The Government's vision is to give every school the opportunity to become an extended school, providing a single point of access for an integrated range of family services; this includes universal, wrap-around childcare. NCMA welcomes this vision and is keen to ensure that extended schools make the most of the home-based care that registered childminders and approved childcarers can offer families and communities.
Registered childminders can act as the link between the many other activities that children and families undertake; providing care between the end of school and parents arriving home, or either side of nursery classes. Childminders have always offered this care and will usually be able to provide secure transport to and from schools or activities.
If you would require any further information on any aspects of childminding, please contact your local NCMA Development and Network Coordinator HEIDI REHMAN 07734734130 or by email heidi.rehman@ncma.org.uk