The UK Childminding Association (UKCMA), set up by Southampton childminder Helen Dawkins, winner of Nursery World's Childminder of the Year in 2010, and former childminder and nursery owner Lynda Dewolf, aims to provide up-to-date advice and guidance for all registered childminders.
Childminders who join the UKCMA, affiliated with childcare insurer Morton Michel, will be able to download and print information and resources from the association's website as well as access specialist training.
Professional support will also be available through a 24-hour helpline and members will be able to call on local representatives in their area for expertise and guidance.
Non-members will be able to access basic information on the website and to speak to the association through a landline number.
The UKCMA will also lobby Government about important issues that affect childminders, including proposals to deregulate childminders.
Co-founder Helen Dawkins said, 'Lynda and I had the idea of starting an association exclusively for childminders a while ago. There is a significant lack of information given to childminders and often their voices aren't heard.
She added, 'The association is exclusively for childminders as it is a very specific sector with specific needs. This kind of support has been missing and is long overdue.
'It is our objective to enable childminders to access the best information, support and training within their independent provision so they can maximise their potential and are equipped to provide outstanding childcare to families in the UK. We are trying to provide a wraparound service for childminders and hope that we can raise the profile of childminders, who are often referred to as glorified babysitters.'
Ms Dawkins said they have already had more than 1,000 practitioners register their interest in the association so far.
Existing organisations representing childminders across the UK are:
- National Childminding Association
- Scottish Childminding Association
- Northern Ireland Childminding Association
