Tameside’s Childminding Network Celebrates its Launch

Ofsted registered childminders across Tameside were recently invited to the launch of the Childminding Network at Stalybridge’s East Family Hub, providing plenty of practical ideas and information for those in attendance.

The Childminding Network has been created for vital early years professionals to meet each other and gain support from the Early Years Quality team, along with partners from Early Help, Public Health, and Libraries teams. Also there were the team from North West Stronger Practice Hub - ‘Bright Futures’ – who talked all things sensory and provided an amazing raffle prize of sensory play equipment to enhance the winning childminder’s setting.

Looking after children from six weeks old to teenage years in Tameside during key development stages, childminders work within the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (EYFS) and Ofsted Registration regulations. The Network aims to provide support and opportunities to exchange ideas with likeminded people in what can be an isolating profession.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Teresa Smith, said: “In what is an often busy and demanding modern world for families, the role of childminders is a necessity to support home life. By recognising the dedication and challenges faced by this profession, the Childminding Network is offering an environment where childminders can feel fully supported by teams across the Council, as well as each other.”

The group meet each term with sessions both in person and online. This enables the meetings to work around professional commitments and encourage as many people as possible to attend.

There was high praise from the launch event with feedback recognising the benefits of being able to mix with other childminders in an adult environment, as well as how supported they feel following the event.

To find out more about support available for childminders, email eyqit@tameside.gov.uk