The Support Childminding Network consists of a network of 10 experienced childminders, spread throughout the Barnsley Borough. These support childminders or ‘mentors’ offer support to potential childminders who have expressed an interest in becoming registered, to those going through the registration process and to childminders in their first year of business.

The support is given mostly by phone or in person. Mentors will accompany the supportees to local playgroups, drop-in sessions etc. places where a new childminder may feel too nervous to turn up at by themselves.

Many potential childminders may feel too overwhelmed by Ofsted registration, but the mentor is available for support throughout the process and for the first year of the childminder running their own business, giving advice on training issues, tax, insurance and self assessment, marketing their own business.

This scheme is intended to ensure that anyone considering childminding as a career has realistic expectations about the sustainability of their business.

For further information on the Support Network please contact Rachel Jones on 01226 775977