Peer Support Networks briefing
First peer support network pilots selected
Twenty-nine locations across England will take part in the
first stage of this Department of Education funded initiative to
develop and improve peer support networks for childminders and
nannies at a local level.
Each confirmed area will now engage directly with NCMA to learn
more about the pilot roll out process and assist in engagement of
local childminders and nannies to take part.
The project set up stage is nearing completion, with initial
research into stakeholders’ needs, in terms of quality, services
and products and support system requirements, coming to a close
later this month.
Primary findings indicate that networks are viewed as invaluable
initiatives that do much to boost confidence and reduce isolation
amongst childminders and nannies.
There is a clear need for networks to consist of meetings which
are informal and inclusive yet able to support an exchange of ideas
and information. As well as informal components there is also a
clear demand for training or guest speakers on specific topics to
be included, and other methods to be available to help
facilitate
continuous professional development. Some form of online system
is also required to enable mentoring and peer reviewed questions
and answers to be shared.
Interestingly requirements at local-level can vary
significantly, mainly depending upon what support systems and
opportunities for networking are currently in place. It will
therefore be important to consider each pilot area separately and
ensure that the needs in that locality are embedded into each
individual pilot.
Pilot Areas
| Blackpool |
Lancashire |
| Bromley |
Liverpool CC |
| Buckinghamshire |
Luton
|
| Cambridgeshire |
Manchester |
| Cornwall |
Medway Towns |
| Croydon |
Merton |
| Cumbria |
Milton Keynes |
|
East Sussex
|
Northamptonshire |
| Halton |
Portsmouth |
| Hampshire |
Rotherham |
| Hertfordshire |
Somerset |
| Isles of Scilly |
Southampton |
| Kent |
Sunderland |
| Kingston-upon-Hull |
Sutton |
| |
West Sussex
|
NCMA plans to keep relevant stakeholders updated on the progress
of this project on a regular basis. Should you have any queries
please contact your NCMA Local Area Service Manager or Connie
Cluderay, Project Support Lead on peersupportnetwork@ncma.org.uk.
Become a Facilitator
We're looking for enthusiastic and motivated childminders and
nannies to become Peer Network Facilitators. Find out
more about the role here.
If you're interested and live in one of the pilot areas
listed, please email facilitators@ncma.org.uk with
your contact details and a brief CV.