East Riding of Yorkshire Council offers a range of support to people who are interested in becoming a registered Ofsted childminder.
Childminders are self-employed and care for children in their own home. They play an important role in providing a childcare setting which meets the needs of many parents and carers across the East Riding.
Many childminders find that the role fits around their own family life, providing an opportunity to enhance their professional development and enriching both their own lives and that of their own children.
The council is keen to increase the number of childminders setting up in the East Riding, particularly in rural areas.
It provides a free two-and-a-half hour briefing session, at which people who are considering becoming childminders can discuss if it is right for them.
This leads to a three-day course which leads them through the process of registering with Ofsted and looks at the legal and practical issues involved in becoming a childminder.
Financial support may be available via grants, and on-going support is provided by early years development advisors both during and after the course.
Councillor Julie Abraham, portfolio holder for children, young people and education, said:
“Childminders can often provide flexible care to suit the needs of parents, carers and the children themselves. It is an important role and I would urge anyone who is thinking of registering as a childminder to find out more about what is involved and the support that is available.”
The next free briefing session will be held on Thursday 28 September at Beverley Children’s Centre, in Coltman Avenue, from 6.30 to 9pm. To book a place on this course, or for more information, please ring the Families’ Information Service Hub (FISH) team on (01482) 396469.
More information about becoming a childminder is also available by visiting: http://www2.eastriding.gov.uk/childminding.
