Job title: Area Development Officer (ADO)
Name of organisation: National Childminding Association, Midlands region
Location: Based at home, with frequent travelling to partner agencies throughout the Midlands
Duties
The position of an area development officer (ADO) is an extremely interesting and dynamic one. It is a role which is moulded to suit the needs of the local regional area.
The principal aim is to support the regional manager and the development managers in their roles. This is the core duty of the job, which is common to all ADOs.
How this works in practice varies from area to area and involves a range of activities. These include supporting the NCMA's two quality assurance schemes - Quality First for individual childminders, and Children Come First, for childminders in quality-assured networks. The latter scheme is also applicable to those working as volunteers or delivering training courses.
The role includes managing staff, planning and delivering workshops. It also includes promoting quality childminding and the NCMA. This involves liaising with different agencies and in different settings, ensuring that childminding is represented.
Examples of this are attending local seminars and planning meetings for extended schools, workforce development, and integrated working with partner agencies.
My role has also included supporting childminding development workers who are new in their posts, and working in a consultancy capacity for local authorities.
ADOs also support volunteers with projects and activities and local childminding groups.
Start date
I have worked for the NCMA for two years.
Likes/dislikes
I love being able to do a job that I truly believe in and am really happy doing. I never cease to be impressed at the quality of care that childminders deliver. I love the opportunity to work in partnership with so many different organisations, the variety of work and the fact I'm never bored.
I really appreciate being able to work for an organisation which truly values its employees and encourages them to develop, and which also 'practises what it preaches'.
I dislike the fact that there are not enough hours in the day to do all the things I would like to do.
Best achievement
My thank-you cards which I have kept from all my jobs.
Training
A relevant childcare qualification is desirable. It is essential to have in-depth knowledge of childminding and current Government childcare policy and practice.
Computer literacy and good communication skills are also invaluable in this role. You also need management and negotiation skills.
I am currently in my final year of an MA in Childcare Law and Practice which has provided me with valuable knowledge to help carry out my role.
Career path
I have a health care background. I have worked as a nurse on a paediatric ward, a midwife and as a health visitor. In my role as a health visitor I was fortunate to work closely with childminders and gained invaluable experience for my current role. My background gave me an insight to families and children and their needs, which dovetails with the work I am doing now.
I have had many different roles since qualifying as a health visitor, including roles in management, child protection, training and research.
My job as a health visitor also brought me into contact with many different agencies and partnership working. My current role allows me to put all these skills to use.
Career progression
I am line-managed by a development manager who in turn is responsible to the regional manager. Above the regional manager are the directors and the board. I am happy working for the NCMA and would like to move through its management structure.
I will hopefully complete my MA in September, which I hope to put to good use in the organisation.
Advice
For my kind of role you need to be a very flexible person who enjoys a challenge. You need initiative, the ability to be disciplined and to prioritise your work.
Interests/hobbies
My main interest is my family and friends, whom I love spending time with.
However, if you were to ask them they would say Leicester Tigers Rugby Club. My husband was a football supporter when I met him but he soon realised that if he wanted to see me at weekends, he would have to join me at the rugby.
I have also recently been appointed as a magistrate, which I am finding extremely interesting, and through this I am increasing my skills.
Further information:
* www.ncma.org.uk
* www.ofsted.gov.uk
* www.cache.org.uk
