For many years I have been a registered childminder and last year I was joined by my husband (just before childminders' grants became available). We care daily for six pre-school-age children and recently increased our mortgage to have a playroom built on to our house. I love childminding and have no plans to give up, even after 11 years, so I applaud plans to raise the standards and increase public awareness of the professional job done by numerous registered childminders.
The difficulty I find is there is no local training that leads to qualification standard. Last year I qualified as a tutor at my local college and have taught a few short evening courses, including Introducing Childminding Practice. These courses were hard work and great fun. I really enjoy teaching new childminders and encourage them go to any National Childminding Association training days and fun days.
But I only did the teaching course because there was nothing else offered locally that I could afford. Stage 1 of the course cost 100, which I paid for. Stage 2 was almost 200, but fortunately I was able to take it free, as our family now receives Working Families Tax Credit. All the other students were funded by their employers, however.
I was the only childcare worker on the course, which usually made it hard to hold discussions. Also the other students had support and had study time granted them during normal work hours.
Childminders are not high earners. I could earn more elsewhere, but I don't want to. I would like to do some Steiner or Montessori training or train as a doula - but these are all private organisations with no facilities for fee reduction.
Even the NVQ 4 in childcare is for managers. Most local training is more suited to people beginning their careers in childcare, so where do I go?
Gill Shaw, Wiltshire
