There have been some changes to the NCMA Quality First portfolio thanks to feedback from childminders working with the portfolio and undertaking the quality assurance journey.

The most important change is that the mentoring service is now available Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. To speak to the Quality First Mentor, call freephone 0800 652 2120. The Mentor is there to answer any query you have regarding the completion of your portfolio.

If you prefer to contact the Quality First Mentor using email, you can write to qualityfirst@ncma.org.uk.

The NCMA Quality First CD has been discontinued due to technical difficulties that childminders were experiencing. It is now possible for all NCMA Quality First childminders to download a much improved MSWord version of the portfolio forms from this website in the NCMA Quality First members’ area.

If you feel you may be unable to complete the scheme within one year, there is now a system in place for you to apply for an extension. Simply reply to the letter you’ll receive as you approach the end of the first year or give the Mentor a call.

A couple of months before you’re ready to complete your portfolio you need to ask for a visiting assessor to come and see your interaction with the children you care for in your childminding setting. In order for us to arrange this please either email qualityfirstassessment@ncma.org.uk or complete the postcard at the back of your portfolio and send it to NCMA’s Bromley office. The visiting assessor will then contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time for their visit. You will also be sent the address of where you should send your completed portfolio once you have received a satisfactory report from the visiting assessor and have completed all sections of your portfolio.

If you have any queries about any aspect of NCMA Quality First, please do not hesitate to contact the NCMA Quality First Mentor on 020 8290 2410 or by email at qualityfirst@ncma.org.uk.