Introducing Childminding Practice is not a course on 'basic childcare'. It is designed to be an induction into the new role of childminding, focusing on aspects of practice specific to childminding. It includes setting up your childminding business; making the childminding setting safe for children; and presenting play and other activities in the home setting.
When we start a new job, we all need induction into the aspects of the role that are different from our previous work. Whatever people's previous experience and qualifications, when they become a childminder they need to reflect on the aspects of working on their own in their own home with a wide age range of children, which is different from working in a group setting with colleagues.
A childminder's relationship with parents is unique - part business contract, part close and friendly with someone who comes into your home regularly. New childminders need the opportunity to think about how they will get this complex and sometimes demanding relationship off to a good start.
The National Childminding Association (NCMA) sympathises with Sarah's frustrations at the delays in getting registered. But we would not like any prospective childminders currently in other early years roles to think that this course will be teaching them to suck eggs.
Sue Griffin, National training and quality assurance manager, NCMA
