Why we study childminding

I would like to clarify the nature of the training required for newly registering childminders and say why qualified nannies (and pre-school or nursery workers) should undertake this training.

There is no suggestion that a 12-hour course such as Introducing Childminding Practice (ICP) is the equivalent of a two-year qualification.

The nature of this training is induction to a new job.

Any good employer will ensure that new workers are introduced to their new work role and setting. As childminders are self-employed, ICP inducts them into the role, which is unlike any other in early years and childcare work.

The course focuses on aspects such as starting up a childminding business. This includes advertising the service, setting fees to cover costs and provide income, and keeping accounts acceptable to Inland Revenue. Then there is getting off to a good start in relationships with parents by aiming for a good balance in the friendly relationship with people who come into your home and the business relationship based on a written contract, as well as doing a risk assessment of the safety of your home setting, ready for inspection. There is planning how to provide play activities for children in your own home (this is different from being in someone else's home or in centre-based provision), and reflecting on issues related to responding to the behaviour of the children you care for - often alongside managing the behaviour of your own children.