A pair of trainers

Training is another string that's just been added to the bow of east London-based Riverside Childcare. Its course Introduction to Nannying/Childminding Practice has gained accreditation from the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education and counts as recognised training under the childcare approval scheme. Over its 16 years Riverside has gone from a nanny agency to a supplier of nursery and school staff as well. Its new training company builds on the expertise of founder Jill Wheatcroft, who started out as a nanny herself in her teens. She then trained in children's nursing and worked in both home and hospital settings, and now she spends part of her time lecturing in nursing with a specialism in child protection. Jill puts much of Riverside's success down to her partnership with co-founder and fellow trainer Gaby Morris, whose background was in recruitment. Their 12-hour course costs 125 and there's a timetable of four sessions every month from now until March. Contact them at 29 Milligan Street, London E14 8AT or ring 0207 374 6363.