Childcare: Success for 'speed childminding'

19 July 2005

"Speed childminding" could be the answer for councils hoping to boost the uptake and sustainability of childminding places.The concept, inspired by speed dating, gives parents the chance to meet a range of childcarers. It is taking off around the country after several councils and childminding groups staged events during National Childminding Week last month, supported by the National Childminding Association. One event in Twickenham attracted 140 parents and childminders.

"This is the first time there has been a concerted national effort to get them off the ground and it has been successful," said an association spokeswoman. "Most people who ran an event want to start running them regularly."

Manchester Sure Start Partnership is already planning a follow-up to its session at the Forum Centre in Wythenshawe. Spokeswoman Hannah Smith said encouraging parents to meet childminders in person helped break down barriers and misconceptions about childminding. "We have sent out so many leaflets, adverts and posters over the last five years but we found it was really good to have face-to-face interaction," she said.

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