NCMA to help local councils
The National Childminding Association has been awarded funding from the DCSF to help bolster childminding in England.
The allocation is part of the NCMA's £1.4m grant for the year and will enable it to run two days of free consultancy sessions for every local authority.
Director of operations Marian Pearson said, 'One of the things we're keen to do is share examples of best practice, for example for local authorities wrestling with how to develop childminding networks or training.'
It will also help LAs to look at how childminders could fill gaps in childcare provision.
The consultations will focus on four themes: helping families to access the childcare they need; improving outcomes for children by developing a highly qualified home-based childcare workforce; narrowing the gap for disadvantaged and vulnerable families by raising the quality and scope of childminding practice; and promoting integrated working and childcare initiatives.
The offer is open to all local authorities until 31 March. E-mail charlotte.guy@ncma.org.uk.
