childminding network

[saintsue]

Hi Everyone

i have had a letter today asking if i want to join the childminding network

Is anyone else in the network?
what is it
and what does it involve doing if i join

thanks alot
sue xxxx

[Kes]

I'm a member of a network called the network, based in warwickshire. You don't have to do anything they are just there for support. The only time you have to do something is if you want to be accredited or become a community childminder.

Kerry.

[singlewiththree]

Our network is an NCMA network which means we have to fill out a form rather like a SEF before we can join, we have to meet certain criteria and then we get observed with the children every 8 weeks with one unannounced visit each year. There aren't many of us on the network which is a selling point to parents, it also means we can then go on to be accredited and accept the nursery funding if we want to.

[primula]

Hi, I am member of the network too in my borough we have been lucky enough to have been given laptops! we also get help with insurance costs and resourses for our business, plus we get support. I think we have been very fortunate.
We have to make commitment to fill in the mini SEF as mentioned before we do have visit but these are usually done at our dropin anyway.We agree to attend meetings and continue to improve our development.
I also believe that it is a good idea because you can form a group of minders and have a stronger voice!
Do have any other minders friend that will join with you? If not ist is good way to meet some!
You can be as proactive as you wish! arranging parties, charity fund raising!
good luck!

[Carol M]

Hi,
I'm a member of Worcestershire's Children come first network.
It was set up by an ncma trained co-ordinator back in 2004. We were assessed and then we agreed to be checked regularly , announced and unannounced visits, to ensure we are working to agreed standards.We have yearly reviews including training and development records and plans. We agree to attend meetings(in the evenings) and we have access to things like , training, toy loan, membership to things like Borrowers and Scrap Store, and lots of support.We can become Accredited to accept funding for3 and 4yr olds.
After the first year the running of the network was taken over by Early Years and Childcare Service. The Co-ordinator carried on expanding the network but unfortunately she went off sick and the work load has only just started to be managed properly by the area childminding co-ordinators!( They sure have their work cut out!)
I hope our network will get up to speed again as the concept is fantastic and I am proud to be a member.Carol:)

[Chatterbox Childcare]

Our network has just changed in Swindon from a 50 minder network x 2 to 1 network with 3 stages for all childminders

To get on levels 1 and 2 we have to commit to completing a questionnaire which is based around the SEF. All very straight forward and helpful and in return we get £50 for Level 1 and £100 for Level 2.

if we want to go on Level 3 we can, this is specialised at Special Needs or being a Support Minder, but no extra monies are paid unless we take do any work in these areas.

We are expected to keep up to date with our practices and review our paperwork, eveything Ofsted ask and be visited once a year.

Oh and so many hours training (level 3 is 24 I think per year)