Meet-a- Minder

Parents and parents-to-be are being encouraged to come and 'Meet-a-Minder' in Heywood on 12 April as Childminders host an open morning at Woodlands Children’s Centre from 10am – 12noon.

There will be opportunity to meet OFSTED Registered Childminders and have a look closely at the type of care and education they can provide.

The morning will be a display of best practice as some of the most experienced and highly trained childminders come together to showcase their services. They are particularly looking to meet parents with babies and toddlers who are looking at returning to work or those who are expecting a baby and looking at the childcare options available.

Rochdale Borough Network childminders are qualified to provide the 15 hours Flexible Entitlement, which enables parents to access free childcare. To do this Childminders must be qualified in (or be working towards) NVQ3 in Childcare and Education and have been assessed on to the Rochdale Borough Childminding Network. They must then go through another rigorous accreditation assessment.

Childminding Development Officers continually monitor and assess network childminders on their self-development and progress.

The aim of the day is to promote childminding as a professional positive childcare option and assure parents of the good quality childcare that is on offer.

Janet Davies the Childminding Development Officer for the Rochdale Borough Childminding Network who are organising the event, said: “We have some very experienced childminders throughout the Rochdale Borough, some who have gone onto gain Nursery Nurse and Childcare qualifications up to degree level. We also have five5 childminders who have received “Outstanding” in their Ofsted Inspections and a number of childminders who have gained the Children Deserve Quality Award. These are recognised as providing a high quality service.”