I am a registered childminder who has regularly phoned my local EYDCP over the past couple of years to complain that the training sessions that I want to go on are always set on a weekday when I am working. The last complaint I made, about Safeguarding Children Foundation training being set only on weekdays, resulted in a reply (in bold type!) stating, 'childminders are not required to do this'. This was apparently assuming that as I didn't have to do the stated training, I wouldn't want to!
Two days ago I received the Training Opportunities for Childminders for the Autumn term from my EYDCP and yet again all the inclusion workshops are on weekdays.
I have even started a petition, to send to the EYDCP, signed by local childminders who feel as I do. Why is it that all the workshops set on Saturdays are for core training?
It's not surprising more and more established childminders are looking to change careers when all that seems to be available is another 'Are you ready for your inspection?' workshop.
I care for a child with global disabilities and the only way I can get some training in SEN is to take time off work, putting out four families, who rely on my care for their children, and putting myself out of pocket.
So thank you Nursery World and Gill Haynes, chief executive of the National Childminding Association, for bringing this subject up. Perhaps we will soon get the support we so very much want and need.
Marion Elliott, childminder
