Funding is helping former teacher get childminding business off the ground

Beverley Thomas

A former teacher can soon put years of experience to good use and support her community, thanks to funding from The Guinness Partnership, which is enabling her to set up a childminding business.

Beverley Thomas, of Heywood, is currently a lunchtime supervisor at her local primary school but, thanks to an Aspire Award, she is on the way to fulfilling her business plan.

The funding has come at a good time for her childminding business, as many workers are now returning to offices.

The mother-of-three, and grandmother-of-three has a lot of experience with children; she was a home economics teacher in a Jamaica high school before coming to the UK in 2004.

“I’m really excited about it,” she said. “Working with children is great and it keeps me on my toes.

“I’m looking forward to providing the service to my community, which I think is important.”

She’s now on track to becoming a certified childminder with Ofsted having completed two out of the three courses required ahead of registration.

Once registered, Beverley plans to start childminding up to three children, aged up to five years old, at a time. After that she hopes to expand her service to after-school childcare for youngsters aged five to 12.

“To get this funding has been a great opportunity,” said Beverley. I’m truly grateful and I’m definitely going to take full advantage of everything I’m learning on these courses.”

Alistair Smyth, Director of External Affairs and Social Investment at The Guinness Partnership, said: “Over the last seven years we’ve given more than 300 Aspire Award grants to help pay for education courses, training and equipment and support start-up businesses

“We’re really pleased that Beverley is well on her way to starting her business and using her experience to provide a valued service to the families in her community.”