Nursery World - At home (1)

The benefits of childminding for children and their families are extolled by Sue Griffin 'Mum, I've had the most terrifying nightmare. I dreamed that Sandra told me she was moving out of the village so there would be no-one to look after Bea and Flo. What would I do?' My daughter was distraught at the mere thought that her childminder might no longer be available. Her family, like six others, depend on the amazing Sandra to maintain that tricky balance of work and family life.

'Mum, I've had the most terrifying nightmare. I dreamed that Sandra told me she was moving out of the village so there would be no-one to look after Bea and Flo. What would I do?' My daughter was distraught at the mere thought that her childminder might no longer be available. Her family, like six others, depend on the amazing Sandra to maintain that tricky balance of work and family life.

And this is true of childminders the length and breadth of the land. I have seen so much change in the 20 years that I have been involved in childminding, but still parents sing the praises of childminders, children adore childminders - and childminders find their job rewarding.

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