Childminder training course on SEND launches

The Childminder Professional Development Programme has been developed by education charity Achievement for All along with the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (Pacey).

Central to the course, which has 10 hours of online learning and around 40 hours of extended study, is the use of research and video footage, showing real life examples of good practice in supporting vulnerable children.

Cuts to council-run training and support in the sector means "the onus is now on" childminders "to identify and fund training for themselves," said Pacey training and development manager Theresa Johnson.

She added that the training programme aims to offer childminders "the tools to make real changes in their provision" and have a "positive impact for every child".

Achievement for All early years programme lead Maureen Hunt added: "Childminders often have to undertake continuing professional development in the evenings and weekends as they cannot access training during the day.

"So we designed this programme to ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from our support."

The programme has two modules. The first, called Parents in Partnerships, looks at how childminders can work with families to support children's learning and development.

The second, called Working in Wider Child-Centred Partnerships, looks at latest SEND policy and how childminders can better work with professionals across health, education and social care to meet vulnerable children's needs.

This also has a focus on ensuring children have a smooth transition to school.