Quality Assurance
A quality assured childminder will be working over and above the baseline National Childminding Standards and will be committed to ongoing professional development.
The Quality First scheme requires childminders to build up a portfolio of evidence from their childminding business, over a number of months. The scheme encourages childminders to develop and improve their working practice in line with the National Childminding Association's Quality Standards.
It usually takes between 12-18 months to complete. Work completed for this scheme can also be used towards gaining an NVQ level 3.
Whilst working towards Quality First, childminders have access to telephone support from an NCMA trained mentor. The NCA Development Worker will also run a number of local workshops designed to compliment the modules in the portfolio. These workshops will be optional, but many people find it helpful to meet up with other childminders in the local area, who are working on the scheme.
Once a childminder has been accredited by this scheme, their quality assurance status lasts for 3 years.
There is currently funding available to support childminders wishing to enrol on Quality First.
Please contact us if you would like to know more.