Nursery World - Childminders are burdened with a handicap

I qualified 22 years ago and have worked at least part-time for 20 of those years. I have always welcomed further training opportunities, particularly when working in school settings, and have attended numerous workshops and in-house training days on art, music, how to lift correctly, basic Makaton and other topics. Fortunately the cost of these training courses were met by my employers, except for the Makaton course which was funded by social services when I provided respite care for a child with Down's syndrome. For many years I have been a registered childminder and last year I was joined by my husband (just before childminders' grants became available). We care daily for six pre-school-age children and recently increased our mortgage to have a playroom built on to our house. I love childminding and have no plans to give up, even after 11 years, so I applaud plans to raise the standards and increase public awareness of the professional job done by numerous registered childminders.

For many years I have been a registered childminder and last year I was joined by my husband (just before childminders' grants became available). We care daily for six pre-school-age children and recently increased our mortgage to have a playroom built on to our house. I love childminding and have no plans to give up, even after 11 years, so I applaud plans to raise the standards and increase public awareness of the professional job done by numerous registered childminders.

The difficulty I find is there is no local training that leads to qualification standard. Last year I qualified as a tutor at my local college and have taught a few short evening courses, including Introducing Childminding Practice. These courses were hard work and great fun. I really enjoy teaching new childminders and encourage them go to any National Childminding Association training days and fun days.

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