AM visit to Barry childminders
Assembly Member for South Wales Central, Chris
Franks, visited the Incy Wincy Childminding group (pictured,
right) in Barry yesterday to meet childminders and find out
more about home-based childcare.
During the visit, childminders discussed their role providing
quality, flexible childcare to children and families in the local
area and how they regularly meet up to provide support for one
another whilst providing activities for their children.
Chris Franks discussed the importance of quality childcare and
the need for accessible training for childminders. He also
discussed the need for consistent planning policies in Wales with
regard to childminding businesses to ensure childminders can
operate and meet local demand.
Jenny Ellis, a registered childminder in Barry
who runs the group, said "we were delighted to welcome Chris Franks
to the group today to see the great work registered childminders
are doing. The Incy Wincy Childminding group is a great place for
registered childminders in the local area to get together and share
their experiences.
"Childminders can come along with their minded
children and interact with other childminders, while the children
can benefit from the varied activities we try to
provide. As childminders largely work on their
own, it can be isolating at times especially when you are newly
registered. This group allows childminders to support each other
and develop activities of real benefit to the children in
their care.
"Childminders play an important role in the
lives of the children they care for, and also in the lives of the
families involved.”
Chris Franks, Assembly Member, added "I would
like to thank the group for allowing me to meet them and listen to
the issues that matter to them. In order for people to be able to
work and earn a decent wage being able to access high quality,
affordable childcare is essential, along with a good public
transport.
"We want to ensure that accessible training
for childminders and nannies is available and that local councils
interpret planning guidance for home-based childcare consistently
across Wales."
The visit was arranged as part of NCMA Cymru’s
Assembly election campaign, prior to elections in Wales on 5 May
2011.
3/22/2011