Tealady
11-02-2014, 11:02 AM
Before becoming a Childminder in 2008 I had no Childcare background at all. I used to be a buyer, first for an lubes research site then for an IT Maintenance Company. I had never even changed a nappy until my DD came along.
I must admit I was one of those Mum's who came into CM because I wanted to stay home with DD. However, I have found it something that I enjoy and Ofsted and the parents think I am good at.
So here I am over five years later and feeling I really need to get some more knowledge about Childcare and Child development. I have obviously learnt stuff and on the job and Development Matters has been useful. But with the focus now being more on how we develop and educate the children I feel a bit lost.
I am waiting to hear what funding / loan scheme is available for the Level 3 in my area as I can't afford the £1200 right now.
So I am looking for recommendations for books too read/study, on-line sources to look at or any other way I can develop this area. As I've said I have no prior experience in this area so don't know where to start and don't want to waste time reading rubbish.
I must admit I was one of those Mum's who came into CM because I wanted to stay home with DD. However, I have found it something that I enjoy and Ofsted and the parents think I am good at.
So here I am over five years later and feeling I really need to get some more knowledge about Childcare and Child development. I have obviously learnt stuff and on the job and Development Matters has been useful. But with the focus now being more on how we develop and educate the children I feel a bit lost.
I am waiting to hear what funding / loan scheme is available for the Level 3 in my area as I can't afford the £1200 right now.
So I am looking for recommendations for books too read/study, on-line sources to look at or any other way I can develop this area. As I've said I have no prior experience in this area so don't know where to start and don't want to waste time reading rubbish.