How do you see childminders working with children’s centres and extended schools?
Children’s centres and extended schools will work with local childminders as an essential element of their services for children and their parents, providing flexibility and choice. Children’s centres should play a valuable role in supporting the recruitment and retention of childminders. All are required to link with a childminders network. As part of their role to act as a base for childminder networks, the type of options centres will develop could include: • arrangements for childminders to use centre facilities, like toy libraries, meeting rooms, stay and play sessions and so on • vacancy co-ordination – helping parents to find the right childminder, including arrangements for cover if a childminder is on holiday or unavailable for any reason • inclusion in staff training and opportunities to meet other Early Years professionals, including teachers, with crèche facilities for the children the childminders are caring for while they are attending these sessions • representation at m
