Registered childminders can also help schools deliver the core offer of extended services. They not only offer flexibility and choice in childcare to all families but can also play an important role in supporting those who need extra help such as teenage parents and families with children with special needs. There are many ways both centres and schools can build successful partnerships with childminders.
Make sure local childminders know you exist. Contact the local Children's Information Service to get in touch with registered childminders in your area. Or call the National Childminding Association (NCMA) information line on 0800 169 4486.
Offer services aimed at childminders such as drop-in groups or host talks from other registered childminders and childcare providers in the area. Some centres host mentoring schemes for new childminders who are supported by experienced childminders and can get advice, creative ideas and business support. Even a simple notice board can make a big difference.
Link with a childminding network, which helps support childminders, including gaining qualifications. Offering office space for a network co-ordinator is a great way to make sure registered childminders are involved with a children's centre or extended school.
Include childminders in your training sessions, along with your own staff. Often a childminder works alone, and so they really benefit from being part of a supportive team. This can also help build good working relationships between childminders and other childcare providers, which is important in the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Offer services that are easy for registered childminders to use while they have children with them. Some children's centres run play sessions for childminders and children, or offer toy libraries and other facilities for childminders to use during the day. After-school clubs can be open to childminders with small and older children.
Recommend registered childminders to parents. Lots of parents of children at extended schools, or parents who visit children's centres for information may not have thought of home-based childcare as an option. Make sure childminders are included in children's centre events like fun days and school fetes or try a "speed childminding" event that allows parents to meet several childminders in one evening.
Finally, download the NCMA's publication Children's and Integrated Centres: working with childminders free from www.ncma.org.uk for lots more tips and guidance on how to involve childminders.
- Compiled with the help of Andrew Fletcher, director of communications, National Childminding Association.
