South Norfolk Childminding Cluster

Network Co-ordinator: South-West Norfolk (Thetford, Watton and Swaffham)
Wendy Saunders
01842 750140
email: wendy.saunders@childmindingmatters.org.uk

Network Co-ordinator: Rest of South Norfolk
Claire Saye
01379 652780
email: claire.saye@childmindingmatters.org.uk

The aim of the South Cluster of the Norfolk Childminding Network is to provide high quality registered childcare to everyone in South Norfolk. The Network Childminders are recruited and assessed for their knowledge and good working practice meeting the National Childminding Association’s “ Children Come First” Quality childminding standards. Almost all of our childminders have NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Education and we have a number of accredited childminders offering Early Education Places for 3 and 4 year olds, funded by the Nursery Education Scheme.

For Childminders:

All registered Network childminders are provided with :
• Validation of the high quality care they offer
• One to One support from a Network Co-ordinator
• Peer support from Network Co-ordinators
• An individual training plan
• Sickness, holiday and emergency cover
• A vacancy-matching scheme

For Parents:

High quality childminding on your doorstep can be flexible and arranged to suit your needs. Network Childminders can provide:
• Care for babies
• Pre-school care and education for children in their Early Years
• Childcare for children with disabilities or additional needs
• Out of school and holiday care for children of school age
• All your family’s childcare needs with one childminder

We have Toy Library’s available for both South and South West Clusters so childminders can borrow toys and equipment to enhance the experiences for the children in their care.

Network Support Meetings are available regularly to support childminders to provide a variety of opportunities for children to enjoy and also to support childminders through changes in legislation and guidance. Daytime meetings are for childminders and their minded children to enjoy activities centred on the Foundation Stage and Birth to Three Matters framework. Evening meetings are for childminders, training and guest speakers. Please contact the Network Co-ordinators for details.

We work closely with the Early Years, Childcare and Extended Schools teams within South Norfolk to provide high quality childcare to all families.

South Norfolk Cluster Support meetings:

Evening support meeting on Monday, 9th February 2009 at Diss Children's Centre (in the main school hall), Fitzwalter Road, Diss IP22 4PU from 7pm till 9pm.
Please ring Network coordinator direct on 01379 652780 if you would like more details about the focus for the meeting and to let me know if you are coming. All childminders are welcome. You don't have to be a Network childminder to attend support meetings. Come along meet other childminders, these evenings are informal and are held to support all childminders in the area of Attleborough, Diss, Harleston, Hethersett, Old Buckenham, Long Stratton, Loddon and Wymondham.

Day time support meeting on Wednesday, 11th March 2009 at Diss Children's Centre (in the community room) Fitzwalter Road, Diss IP22 4PU From 9.30am - 11.30am

All childminders and children welcome, come along for a play and chat. Please ring or email Network Coordinator Claire Saye direct on 01379 652780 / claire.saye@childmindingmatters.org.uk to let me know if you are coming, due to the size of the room there is a limit to how many adults and children can attend.

Day time support meeting on Thursday, 26th March 2009 at Manor Field Infants School (in the mobile) Manor Road, Long Stratton from 1pm - 2.30pm.

All childminders and children welcome, come along for a play and chat. Please ring or email Network coordinator Claire Saye direct on 01379 652780 claire.saye@childmindingmatters.org.uk to let me know if you are coming.

If you would like more details about the support meetings or if you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact me on 01379 652780 or email claire.saye@childmindingmatters.org.uk

Training:
In March 2009, in Diss there will be an EYFS Observation, Assessment and planning training being held over two evenings.

In April 2009, in Diss there will be CAF (Common Assessment Framework) training being held over two evenings.

If you would like more details of the above trainings and / or would like to attend the trainings please contact me direct on 01379 652780 or email me claire.saye@childmindingmatters.org.uk

South West Cluster Support Meeting dates

24th February 2009 at the Watton Children's Centre 7-9 pm

17th March 2009 at the Thetford Children's Centre Kingsway 9.30-11.30am

21st April 2009at the Thetford Children's Centre Drake Infant School 7-9 pm

29th June 2009 at the Watton Children's Centre 9.30-11.30am

All childminders and children welcome, come along for a play and chat.
Please ring or email Network coordinator Wendy Saunders direct on 01842 750140 wendy.saunders@childmindingmatters.org.uk to let me know if you are coming.

If interested please contact:

Wendy Saunders (Thetford, Watton and Swaffham) - 01842 750140
e-mail wendy.saunders@childmindingmatters.org.uk

Claire Saye (Rest of South Norfolk) - 01379 652780
e-mai claire.saye@childmindingmatters.org.uk