Nursery World - Ways in to training

'How can childminders find the time to train?' (Letters, 5 April) has, I am sure, highlighted the feelings of many registered childminders. Jane Taoka is among the majority of the childcare workforce who are committed to providing the best possible childcare and education they can. Many local authorities and training centres can and do offer courses that are relevant to registered childminders as well as other early years workers. The benefits of shared training include further opportunities to learn from each other, increased understanding and mutual respect. But this can only be beneficial if the training is at times, or in ways that are accessible to home-based practitioners.

Many local authorities and training centres can and do offer courses that are relevant to registered childminders as well as other early years workers. The benefits of shared training include further opportunities to learn from each other, increased understanding and mutual respect. But this can only be beneficial if the training is at times, or in ways that are accessible to home-based practitioners.

The National Childminding Association (NCMA) promotes training and continuing professional development that is accessible for home-based childcare workers. Last year the NCMA developed an up-to-date Level Three qualification the Diploma in Home-based Childcare (DHC), in partnership with the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education. The NCMA runs all its courses and workshops at times and places convenient for childminders, mainly in the evenings and at weekends. The DHC can also be accessed via distance learning with the National Extension College.

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