Grantham Childminding Group

NCMA

Grantham Childminding Group was set up in the spring of 2004 in order for childminders to have a base of support in their local area. We now get together once or twice a week so that we, and the children that we care for, can have some social time. In these times we play, chat and do activities with the children.

We have since set up a vacancy co-ordination scheme so that parents can access childminders information from one easy source and now have this website to add to our achievements. We run lots of events for childminders and parents alike including coffee mornings, art workshops and fundraisers and we have even run a crèche for Surestart. All of these will be advertised on this site so keep in touch. Hopefully we will continue to add to this site by adding training information for childminders, parents or anyone working in childcare settings.

Thank you to everyone who has helped with everything we are doing!

And for those of you browsing to find out about childminders in general let us tell you this...

What is a registered childminder?

A professional carer registered by Ofsted under the 1989 Children Act, to work in their own home providing care and education for other people’s children in a family setting.
A suitable person health checked and police checked by the Criminal Records Bureau; and inspected by Ofsted to ensure that their care and home are safe, equipped and of a high standard.
An insured person with public liability insurance.
A first aider.
An experienced carer, usually with children of their own and/or further Early Years training.

What can I expect from a registered childminder?

A happy home environment with the chance to get out and about in the community. Being cared for by a childminder gives youngsters the opportunity to learn from real life experiences. Everyday activities, like shopping trips, school runs, family mealtimes and visits to the park, teach children valuable life skills that they might not acquire so readily in centre-based care.
Structured planned play and learning opportunities and activities that contribute to your child’s development. Out-of-school care. This unique age-integrated care provides enhanced learning opportunities and enables brothers and sisters of different ages to be looked after together, benefiting from a level of continuity unrivalled by any other form of childcare.
Collection and delivery to school or preschool.
Flexible hours and often unsociable hours. Their flexibility makes childminders ideal care providers for children whose parents work shifts as, unlike most nurseries, childminders' homes are often open outside of standard office hours.
Meals, drinks and snacks.
A lot of one to one or small group care. Because childminders look after only small groups of children, their daily routine is very adaptable. Individual dietary requirements, sleeping patterns or homework projects can be catered for with ease.

And above all: A happy environment, a happy child and a happy family.