started child-minding to be at home with my son. I worked as a National Child-minding Association (NCMA) childminder until he went to school when the post of NCMA support childminding co-ordinator came up.

My job covers supporting child-minders and promoting child-minding to parents and partners, including early education and childcare units as well as special needs schools.

The support role involves the training, support, mentoring and monitoring of 43 network childminders who provide a standard of care over and above statutory requirements. I am also responsible for 350 childminders in the area, visiting their homes, offering advice and support and helping create individual development plans.

Childminding can be quite isolating, so it's important that childminders have somebody to turn to when they need support. I contact childminders following Ofsted inspections to help them develop plans to enhance their childminding.

Children's centre development is a key part of the role at the moment. I work closely with centres to develop collaborative working and opportunities for childminders. I'm also supporting childminders in the transition to the Early Years Foundation Stage, which starts in September. There is quite a bit of nervousness about this.

I have been working towards the completion of a foundation degree in childhood studies to further my own professional development. Many of the childminders have this so it's important that I match their knowledge.

The great thing about the job is that you get to meet some very positive people, whether they be childminders, parents or children.