North Lincolnshire Council’s Introduction to Home Based Childcare (IHBC) course has supported 12 learners on their journey towards becoming an Ofsted registered childminder.
All learners have completed the 12-week course that covers a range of topics to support them in becoming a childminder.
People who wish to register as a childminder working with children in the Early Years age range are required by Ofsted to carry out training before they can register as a childminder. This course enables them to get the training and support required.
The IHBC course consists of 12 sessions and covers the following topics:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare
- Supporting the childminding business
- Managing children’s behaviour
- SEND, equality and inclusion
- Play
- Learning and development
- Observation, assessment and planning
- HMRC requirements for running your own business.
The course has enabled learners to increase their knowledge and understanding, as well as develop their confidence to start their own home based childcare business. Learners were also able to access:
- An online group forum for learners to raise any questions they wish outside of the workshop sessions
- Templates of useful documentation to support learners in their role as a childminder
- One to one support from an Early Years Development Officer with the Ofsted registration process
- Invitations to visit Childminder Stay and Play sessions at children’s centres
- Peer support from childminders running their own childcare business
- Opportunities to develop a network of ongoing support with experienced childminders
Positive feedback has been received from the learners who completed the course. Katie Holgate said the IHBC tutors are “very passionate about their positions and working with children, which made learning from them enjoyable.”
Another learner, John Booth, said he received “valuable information, particularly from the new practitioner at the final session.”
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a childminder book your place on the next Childminder Briefing which will be held on Wednesday 5 June 2019 from 6pm to 8pm at Scunthorpe Community Wellbeing Hub. It costs £20. For more details or to book onto the Childminder Briefing call 01724 297000.
Ann Hume, Lead Officer: Early Years at North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Congratulations to all of the learners who have completed the Introduction to Home Based Childcare course. You have taken the first steps towards becoming a qualified childminder and have all the support and information to do this.
“The course focuses on all aspects of childminder from how to run your own business to the learning and development needs of children.
“Further courses will be planned later in year. If you are interested in becoming a childminder and completing the IHBC course, get in touch with the team on 01724 297000.”
A number of the learners for the first time were able to access funding towards the course through Ongo’s Next Level Project.
Maryanne Fitzgerald, Project Manager of the Next Level Project, said:
“This has been a huge success and we hope to continue working with individuals to support them with their career aims.”
About the Next Level Project
The Ongo Next Level Project helps people in employment gain new skills and makes better lives for themselves. The aim is to inspire and support working people to increase their skills to help them develop.
Since launching in 2017, the Project team has worked with over 600 people, with 213 accessing training, 90 improving their work status and 44 improving in their basic skills.
Anyone who thinks the Next Level team could help their business or would like more information about the project can visit Ongo’s website.
