9/8/2005 - Buddy scheme set up to support new childminders

A new scheme to support those starting a career in childminding has been set up by Cumbria Sure Start. Three Support Childminder Coordinators have been appointed to recruit ‘buddies’ for the new scheme designed to offer support to new childminders by pairing them up with experienced childminders. 

Caroline Ellis covers the Barrow and South Lakes area, Amanda Winskill covers Carlisle and Eden area and Eileen Teasdale covers Allerdale and Copeland area. The three co-ordinators have been working together since June to recruit buddies to the scheme.

The scheme was piloted in conjunction with the NCMA in Liverpool, Manchester, Lewisham, Enfield, Birmingham, Leeds and Medway and is now being rolled out across the country. The aim of the scheme is to improve recruitment and retention through increasing the support available to childminders through peer mentoring. 

County councillor. Philip Chappelhow, cabinet spokesman for children's services said:

"Childminding can be an isolated career as the majority of childminders are home based. This scheme will enable new childminders to have someone on hand to give them advice and support in the early stages. The demand for good quality childcare is increasing and we need to make sure we have programmes in place to recruit and retain new childminders and make sure the appropriate support is available to them."

Caroline Ellis has 11 years experience of being a childminder herself. She said: 

"It can be very lonely, looking after children within the home. This project aims to provide those starting out with someone they can call on for help and support for the first 12 months - but I am sure after that time they will have made a long lasting friendship, working together.

"The scheme recognises their professional status, and offers career development. There are extra training opportunities for the Buddies as well as the satisfaction of helping others. We are also planning to host an awards night with meal, speaker and certificates. The scheme offers the Buddies further employment opportunities with their newly gained skills of Buddying."

The project is funded by Cumbria Sure Start. Application forms are being sent out to childminders to ask if they would be interested in being a buddy to a new childminder. They could buddy not just one but up to 10 new people and there are rewards for their effort.

All three Support Childminder Coordinators have been attending pre-registration courses in the county for people thinking about starting their own childminding business, giving out their contact details so they can access the Buddy scheme. Not only will the scheme help with child caring skills but it will also provide support with administration and business advice. Buddies will be teamed up with people who live near each other so that they can give advice on local services specific to their area. The scheme will also enable the Support Childminder Coordinators, through the buddies, to raise the profile of children’s centres and the support which they can offer childminders. 

If any childminders are interested in becoming buddies they can find out more from the Support Childminder Coordinator in their area: 

Carlisle & Eden - Amanda Winskill on 07966 111 871

Barrow & South Lakes - Caroline Ellis on 07966 111 870

Allerdale & Copeland - Eileen Teasdale on 07966 111 876

Anyone thinking about starting a career in childminding can get more information and can book a free place on one of the Pre Registration Briefing Sessions by contacting the Children’s Information Service on 08457 125 737.