Work with children's centres
Childminders have a lot to gain from being connected with the
local children's centre in both professional and personal
capacities.
Benefits may include:
- meeting other childminders
- meeting and networking with other childcare
professionals
- experiencing other forms of childcare
- stay and play and drop-in sessions
- signposting to other professionals for advice and support, for
example on healthcare, benefits, online learning,
jobcentreplus
- training
- trips and days out
- parenting classes and family support
- literacy, numeracy and other learning
- well-equipped, up-to-date facilities
- sensory rooms
- safe outdoor play environment
- extra support for gifted and talented children
- meeting other parents - and perhaps new clients.
How to find a children's centre
- Contact your local
Family Information Service
- Your local early years team should be able to direct you to
centres in your area
- Contact
NCMA for information about local centres working with
childminders
- Your network coordinator may be able to help you meet with
children's centre staff
- Find your local children's centre online using the
Childcare Finder site. Search tip - remove the space when
entering your postcode.
Too much of a good thing?
Remember though, that however fabulous your local children's
centre is, childminding is about offering childcare in a home-based
setting. The families you're working with have chosen you and
your home as their childcare solution. Always keep in mind the
balance of home-based and group-focussed activities you
provide.