North Norfolk Childminding Cluster

North Norfolk Childminding Cluster is part of the Norfolk Childminding Network, approved and accredited by the National Childminding Association under the 'Children Come First' quality assurance scheme.

North Norfolk Childminding Cluster covers the Poppyland area (Cromer, Mundesley, Stalham), North Norfolk area (Sheringham, Holt, Fakenham, Wells) and Dereham, Litcham & North Walsham areas

The aim of the Norfolk Childminding Network, North Norfolk Childminding Cluster is to provide high quality childcare, for children aged 0-14 years (extended care up to 16 years of age for children with additional needs or disabilities) within a homely environment.

Network childminders are recruited and assessed to meet the standards of the National Childminding Association’s Quality Childminding Charter. By meeting these standards they are working over and above the National Standards set by OFSTED. Approved Network Childminders are then monitored regularly every 8 to 10 weeks, including unannounced visits, to ensure the high quality of childcare is maintained. These visits are in addition to OFSTED's inspection visits.

The Norfolk Childminding Network is accredited and childminders have the opportunity to provide funded Early Education places for 3 and 4 year olds.

Each area has Support Meetings, which are held regularly, either daytime or evening to suit the needs of the childminders.

The Norfolk Childminding Network is funded and supported by Norfolk County Council.

Benefits to the Child:
• Cared for in a home environment
• Every day activities can be accessed such as a trip to the park
• Care with other siblings in the same environment
• Same carer in school holidays
• A stimulating environment aimed at the individuals needs
• Continuity of care throughout childhood

Benefits to Parents:
• Peace of mind that your child is receiving professional, quality-assured care
• Flexibility, meeting family needs
• Complete family care with one childminder
• If your regular childminder is ill or on holiday, the Network Co-ordinator can try to access other Network Childminders to provide cover
• Taking and collecting your child from playgroup, nursery or school
• Care for babies
• Continuity of care throughout childhood
• Vacancy matching service. The Network co-ordinator will try to match your family's individual needs with a childminder.

Benefits to the Childminder:
• Recognition of their professional, high quality childcare provision
• One to one support from the Network Co-ordinator
• Peer support from other Network Childminders
• Individually tailored training - delivered locally and free
• Sickness, holiday and emergency cover
• Greater access to publicity
• Vacancy matching scheme
• Opportunities to work with the local community providing childcare linked with Children's Centres, local agencies and businesses
• Opportunity to become accredited to enable you to provide Early Education places
• Access to a toy/resource/equipment library.

Network Support Meetings for childminders.
Benefits:
•Practical Play Opportunities for the children to access
•Share good practice
•Individual support from Network Coordinator-Childminding Matters
•Activities held led by group's needs/requests
•Order/Return Resources from the Toy/Book Library
•Meet up with other childminders in the area
•Find out more information About the Network

Dates for next support meetings are as follows:

Tuesday 20th January 09 at 7.30-9.00pm
North Walsham Cluster at North Walsham Children's Centre, Manor Road, North Walsham NR28 9HG. Focus - Letters and Sounds also with Guest speaker Wendy Guttridge - Foundation Stage Co-Ordinator to discuss 'Read Write Including literacy' teaching.

Wednesday 21st January 09 at 9.00am - 1.00pm
Stibbard Children's Centre - Information & Drop in Session.

February 2009
Dereham Children's Centre, Youth & Community Centre, London Road, Dereham Invitations to follow with more details or contact Bev Boulter.

Portuguese Language Training
An exciting opportunity to learn some basic Portuguese sessions have already commenced over a six weekly period held at: Youth & Community Centre, Breckland Resource Base, London Road, Dereham NR19 1AS To register your interest in further courses please contact Bev Boulter - details below:

Saturday 7th February 09 - 9.30am -12.00pm
North Walsham Cluster - A Musical Approach to the Early Years Foundation Stage Training by Jessica Pitt at North Walsham Children's Centre, Manor Road, North Walsham NR28 9HG. Please telephone Bev Boulter to book a place.

Places limited
Fakenham Gateway Children's Centre
Support Meeting Invitations to follow with more details- Please telephone Bev Boulter to register your interest.

Litcham Children's Centre
We have a fantastic opportunity to use the outdoor 'Forest School' environment
Please feedback to Bev Boulter on a suitable day of the week that you and your minded children would like to attend in 2009.

North Walsham Hippo Hunt - May 2009 during half term.
A Hippo Hunt is being planned to take place during May 2009 half term. It is hoped that at least 20 Hippos, variously designed will form the 'Hippo Hunt' for families to find in interesting locations in and around North Walsham. The Hippos will then be auctioned with other items at an Auction Evening, to be held at Divine Restaurant in North Walsham. The evening will be a ticketed event with Buffet.

Childminding Matters are working in partnership with Poppyland SureStart, who will be sponsoring a Hippo and we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us in decorating it.
For more details on how you can become involved please contact Lisa Adams - details below.

For more information on the Holt/Corpusty, Aylsham, Reepham and Sheringham areas contact Sue Williamson Network Co-ordinator on 01263 513418 or email
sue.williamson@childmindingmatters.org.uk

For more information on Dereham, Litcham, Fakenham, Stibbard and Wells areas please contact: Bev Boulter Network Co-ordinator on 01328 855906 email:
beverley.boulter@childmindingmatters.org.uk