North Lincolnshire CouncilSchools, libraries and learningCareers working with early years children

Careers working with early years children

Information for people who are interested in becoming a professional childminder in North Lincolnshire. The courses are also useful for practitioners in nurseries, pre-schools and reception class.

Childminder briefing sessions

If you are interested in becoming a childminder and providing home-based childcare, you can attend one of our childminder briefing sessions. They are held at local venues in Scunthorpe and are delivered over two hours at a cost of £20. These are the ideal starting point if you are considering becoming a registered childminder.

The briefing is stage 1 of the support that we offer. It outlines the statutory requirements that a childminder has to meet as well as explaining the Ofsted registration process.

You will need to register with Ofsted if you wish to:

care for children from birth to seven years
for more than two hours in any one day
and for reward

The briefing will help you to make an informed decision as to whether providing home based childcare is for you. Sessions are held throughout the year and future dates are promoted on our council Facebook page and Early Years training Twitter page.

Following the briefing session (if you decide you wish to become a professional childminder working with children aged birth to five years) you are required to undertake initial training in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The full “introduction to working within the EYFS” course provides this training and support (please see details below).

For more information or to book a place on one of these briefing sessions contact us on earlyyearsteam@northlincs.gov.uk

Further information

Introduction to working within the EYFS programme

Initial training for childminders

In order to become a professional childminder working with children in the early years age range (birth to five years) initial training in the EYFS is required before you register with Ofsted.

This course is also ideal for practitioners who are new to working in an early years provision, such as:

day nursery
pre-school
school nursery
reception class

It is useful for practitioners who do not have formal early years training or would like a refresher of the current EYFS requirements.

What the course covers

The programme covers topics including:

safeguarding
health and safety
risk assessment
play
learning and development
observation
assessment
planning
understanding behaviour
special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
equality, diversity and inclusion

Potential childminders will also learn about the HMRC requirements for running a business.

Support provided

Support is also provided by locality childminders who are designated, experienced childminders in each area of North Lincolnshire. They can provide practical support and development opportunities. These include experience of a stay and play session at a children’s centre and a visit to a childminding business. If you decide that you wish to register as a childminder, we can provide ongoing support in your home.

The course also provides you with the opportunity to meet and interact with tutors who are members of the early years team providing specialised support for all early years providers. As the programme is workshop based, it provides learners with the opportunity to ask questions and explore areas further.

There are no written tasks to complete and no exams. However, learners will receive a certificate at the end.

Costs

The full course costs £60 but sessions can also be purchased individually. For example if you already have relevant early years or childcare qualifications.

For more information please email earlyyearsteam@northlincs.gov.uk or call the team on 01724 297000.

EYFS training

The early years service page on the Services for Education website has lots of information for professionals, including links to relevant training and CPD opportunities.

Further CPD opportunities to support your career pathway are also available from the early years team. These include:

communication and language development
infant mental health
NHS Solihull Approach training
introduction to the role of the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)
moderation
termly networking meetings

Details of programmes are regularly emailed out to early years providers. In addition, our early years development officers visit and work in partnership with all early years providers. They provide support, advice and guidance on how to develop their provision.

For further details please contact us on earlyyearsteam@northlincs.gov.uk

Our adult and community learning team also provide a range of continued professional development (CPD) opportunities.

Statutory framework for the EYFS

The setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five framework sets of the legal requirements for all early years providers and schools in England.

Early years team

The North Lincolnshire early years team work throughout the local area. We offer support, advice and guidance on all aspects of the EYFS to Ofsted registered providers. These include schools, nurseries, pre-schools, childminders and out of school clubs. We work closely with colleagues in the council and with community groups and individuals.

For more information or to request support from the early years team please do not hesitate to contact us on 01724 297000.

Information for parents

Our Family Information Service (FIS) page has lots of free, impartial information and advice for families in North Lincolnshire.

Our Local Offer website includes information for parents and carers with children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

See the childminder page on Gov.UK for information on becoming a childminder or nanny.

The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years has information about early years childcare training and qualifications.

Information for professionals

Our Early Years Service page on the Services for Education website has a wide range of information for professionals.

The Local Offer website has lots of information for professionals on special educational needs and disability.

Contact

earlyyearsteam@northlincs.gov.uk

01724 297000