Central Area - Norwich

All childminders in the Cluster are registered with Ofsted and managed by the Network Co-ordinator. They are part of the Norfolk Childminding Network, approved and accredited by the National Childminding Association under the 'Children Come First' quality assurance scheme. All childminders within the network are assessed to make sure they meet NCMA Quality Childminding Charter standards and are then monitored every 8 to 10 weeks to ensure the high quality of childcare is being maintained.

Childminders are all committed to provide a high standard of quality assured childcare for children 0-14 years with emphasis on the 0-4 year age range, extending this care up to 16 years of age for children with additional needs or disabilities. Norwich Clusters have some childminders with NVQ 3 qualification who are accredited and are able to offer funded early years places for 3 and 4 year olds. Others are gaining the support & training to provide this as well. The network offers equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice to all childminders, children and families.

West & South Norwich Cluster is supported by Earlham Early Years Centre - Bowthorpe and West Earlham Sure Start – East City Children’s Centre – Vauxhall Central City Children’s Centre. The area has extended to include Northfields, Costessey, Lakenham, Tuckswood, with parts of Mancroft, Nelson Town Close wards. This Norwich Cluster has two support group meetings per month. The 1st Wednesday of each month - at the Earlham Early Years Centre, including access to the Toy Library. The 3rd Wednesday of each month - at the Bowthorpe Sure Start (from 9.30 to 11.30am). With planned activities and outings to various places, throughout the year. New support meetings for extended areas will be arranged locally. All drop-in sessions are open to all registered childminders in the area.

Benefits to Parents when choosing a Network Childminder:
• You can be sure that your child is receiving a professional, quality assured childcare service. Network childminders have up-to-date training so they can provide quality care to meet the needs of the children.
• The Network Co-ordinator will try to match your family's individual needs with a childminder and if your regular childminder is ill or on holiday, will aim to access other network childminders to provide cover.
• Network childminders offer you flexible, reliable care to fit in with your family. This provides continuity of care throughout childhood.
• Network childminders can also offer care for children with disabilities or special needs and be able to care for a range of ages and for children from the same family under one roof.

Benefits to Childminders
• Recognition for being a professional, quality assured childcare provider.
• One-to-one support from the Network Co-ordinator as well as support from other network childminders.
• Access to publicity and a vacancy matching scheme and we aim to provide you with cover if you are ill or on holiday.
• Training, which can be provided locally and free, will be tailored to meet your individual needs - furthering your professional development.
• Local Network Childminding Support Meetings to provide interest for you and your minded children, with the focus on fun and information.

For further information on the West & South Norwich Childminding Cluster or North and East Childminding Cluster please contact:
Alison Jones
Network Co-ordinator
Tel/Fax - 01502 741533
Email - alison.jones@childmindingmatters.org.uk

Norwich Network Co-ordinators work part-time and not always in their office
Please leave a message on the office phone.
All calls & emails will be returned as quickly as possible.