Nursery World - Editor's view (365)

There are now a whole host of opportunities open to those who want to become childminders, and our eight-page special pull-out this week explores the development of this form of childcare as a career. Childminding is being seen more and more as a profession, with training and specific qualifications on offer, the chance to set up or join a network of colleagues, opportunities for involvement in initiatives such as Sure Start, and grant money available to help with starting costs. There is no doubt that the Government sees childminding as a valuable part of its national childcare strategy.

Childminding is being seen more and more as a profession, with training and specific qualifications on offer, the chance to set up or join a network of colleagues, opportunities for involvement in initiatives such as Sure Start, and grant money available to help with starting costs. There is no doubt that the Government sees childminding as a valuable part of its national childcare strategy.

If you are interested in working as a childminder, or if you are already under way and want to find out how to make the most of your career, turn to our centre pages. There's a guide to starting up, a look at how to take the worry out of Ofsted inspections, and lots of information about new opportunities available, including how some childminders have extended their businesses.

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