The first nationally-recognised quality assurance scheme for childminders gets underway across England and Wales from this month. The National Childminding Association's (NCMA) Quality First scheme, which has been piloted in more than 20 local authorities over the past six months, is based on ten quality standards which all childminders belonging to the NCMA work towards. It also complies with the Government's proposed Investors in Children scheme. Gill Haynes, NCMA chief executive, said she hoped Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships would provide funding to help childminders take part. She added, 'We're excited that childminders who aren't able to join a network in their area now have a way of developing and demonstrating the quality of their childminding.' For details of the scheme, contact the NCMA on 020 8290 8999 or visit the website www.ncmaqualityfirst.co.uk.
The first nationally-recognised quality assurance scheme for childminders gets underway across England and Wales from this month. The National Childminding Association's (NCMA) Quality First scheme, which has been piloted in more than 20 local authorities over the past six months, is based on ten quality standards which all childminders belonging to the NCMA work towards. It also complies with the Government's proposed Investors in Children scheme. Gill Haynes, NCMA chief executive, said she hoped Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships would provide funding to help childminders take part. She added, 'We're excited that childminders who aren't able to join a network in their area now have a way of developing and demonstrating the quality of their childminding.' For details of the scheme, contact the NCMA on 020 8290 8999 or visit the website www.ncmaqualityfirst.co.uk.
