Hi anyone out there?

I have been childminding for 11 years now and things have really changed.

When I started we did not have anyone to help us set out our portfolios or help begining our business.

As I am about to sign up my daughter to help and she is applying for registration - she also has to attend an ICP course.

Could anyone let me know what expectations should be, how they found it, if useful at all etc., etc.,

Grateful for any help

I personally didnt find it useful. I think because of this forum I knew what to expect already. I think the ICP is useful for people starting from a "oh I think I will be a childminder" stage rather than someone who knows a bit about it.

Paula

the icp course was something i didnt really know already tbh
some area were helpful and prob will help your dd

i believe that everyone who intends on being a cm must do the course (could be wrong tho)

Yes the ICP (or unit 1 of the DHC as its now known) is compulsory now. I think, as has already been said that its useful to someone just starting out with no prior knowledge, of course there are bits in there as well that is useful to anyone.
The tutor is there to answer questions as well as stimulate discussion and thought - how you intend to provide best practice, reflection etc.