WfFF Childminding initiative

•SLA in place between WfFF and SCMA (Scottish Childminding Association)

•Joint initiative between Early Years and WfFF

•Going out to tender under a flexible childcare model in June 2008

The Process

•Client engagement

•Information and support

•6 week pre-registration training

•Links into other WfFF services

•Process takes around 6 months from start to finish

Registration requirements

• WfFF covers costs of:• Mains adapted smoke alarms• Fire Blanket• Public liability Insurance• Safety gates for Younger Children ..and possibly other costs, such as broken

fence in the garden, new lock on the door

WfFF also covers

•The first years membership to SCMA (without this you cannot obtain SCMA public liability insurance)

•A business resource pack for childminders

The Role of the Development Officer

•To actively recruit childminders and promote childminding as an employment / childcare option

•To provide intensive 1-1 support through to and beyond the registration process

•Business support and advice around access to funding, marketing etc

Rationale

•Lack of flexible childcare to meet out of hours work patterns

•Gaps in childminding provision in some local areas

•Good outcomes for WfFF

•Good fit with childcare mentor project

•Can help sustain parent in work – reduce transitions for the child

Issues for North Lanarkshire

•High rate of ‘churn’ within childminding profession

•Difficult to recruit in some areas

•Difficult to recruit childminders who are willing to operate out-with 8am to 6pm and weekends

Contact details

Caitriona McAuley

Lead Officer WfFF, North Lanarkshire Council

Mcauleyc@northlan.gov.uk