The 'Childminder Professional Development Programme' is designed to help childminders support every child to reach their full potential by meeting their individual needs, and to develop strong partnerships with parents and other professionals involved with the child.
It has been developed by the charity Achievement for All in association with the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY).
While Achievement for All offers support programmes for early years settings and schools, this is the first aimed at childminders.
The programme consists of interactive modules with video footage and real practice examples that childminders can work through at their own pace and relate to their own practice.
It is split into two modules. The first module – ‘Parents in Partnership’, looks at how to communicate with parents to build a child-centred partnership around learning and development.
The second module is titled ‘Working in Wider Child-Centred Partnerships’ and focuses on building powerful partnerships around the child. It covers SEND reforms and partnership working, identifying and supporting children with additional needs, as well as how to enable a smooth transition and prepare children for school.
The programme offers ten hours of online learning time, while the included extension material – research, audits templates and examples of best practice in inclusion, supports up to 40 hours of extended study designed to support a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Theresa Johnson, training and development manager at PACEY, said, ‘The training and support that local authorities used to provide childminders simply isn't as extensive as it was, and the onus is now on them to identify and fund training for themselves. In recent years, childminders have also had to face new challenges, such as adapting to the new systems of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
‘Our partnership with Achievement for All is designed to provide flexible, affordable support and training, while giving childminders the tools to make real changes in their provision. This new programme will have a positive impact for every child and enable childminders to further support children with SEND.’
Maureen Hunt, early years programme lead at Achievement for All, said, ‘Childminders often have to undertake CPD in the evenings and weekends as they cannot access training during the day. This programme is flexible and designed to fit in around their requirements.
‘Through this unique partnership with PACEY, we hope to make our programme available to thousands of childminders, providing support and professional development opportunities to address the needs of the most vulnerable children.’
- Once registered, childminders can access the programme for up to one year at the cost of a 12-month membership with Achievement for All for £49.99. A 10 per cent discount is available for PACEY members.To register for the 'Childminder Professional Development Programme', which is only available in England, click here
