Members of the North Devon branch of the Devon Childminding Association Network, one of the National Childminding Association's quality assured Children Come First schemes, plan to change the perception of childminders as 'poorly qualified women who leave children in front of a TV and only take them for the odd walk in the park'. They are also hoping the campaign will attract a fresh crop of childcarers to the profession.
Network co-ordinator Erika Willson said, 'We want to blow away the old image and show that childminding today is a professional, modern business.'
She said that TV soaps such as 'Coronation Street' and 'Casualty', which in the past have featured storylines of parents who have been let down by their childminder, have not helped the image. She said, 'I would like to see childminders subtly promoted through all forms of media.'
Local children's centres and libraries in North Devon are to host display boards explaining the role of a registered childminder, and the network hopes to increase local awareness of the campaign during national Sure Start month in June.
The Devon Childminding Association Network is a registered charity that supports childminders and parents, offering training and advice.
