Childminders care for all

Bristol child minders care for all

Child minders from across Bristol are meeting this Saturday 28 April for their annual conference, focusing on including children with special needs.

The keynote speech at this year’s event is on understanding young children’s behaviour and will be given by senior educational psychologist, Dr Judy Evans, who specialises in early years development.

Experts will also give presentations on themes including communicating with special needs children and adapting activities to suit their needs.

There are currently 425 child minders in Bristol, including 64 ‘enhanced provision’ child minders who are qualified to offer placements to vulnerable children. Of Bristol’s enhanced provision child minders, 50 are judged by Ofsted to be ‘good’ and 9 are ‘outstanding’.

From 2014, 40 per cent of disadvantaged two year olds will be entitled to 15 hours a week of free early education. To meet increasing demand Bristol City Council is looking to recruit more people to the profession.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said: "Bristol’s child minders provide a valuable service for families in the city and are an important part of the children’s workforce. We are fortunate to have a network of child minders who are highly committed and professional, playing a vital role in the early development of children. This conference is an opportunity for them to meet together and extend their knowledge and understanding."

Early Years Commissioning Manager, Dawn Butler, said: "As child minders usually work in their own home, it is really important to hold training events where they can meet together and focus on their own development. Child minders offer families flexible child care and also support children’s learning and development at a stage which research tells us is crucial for their future health and wellbeing."

Dawn adds: "We are always on the lookout for new recruits and in some areas, including the centre of the city, Lawrence Weston, Henbury and Southmead there are currently shortages of child minders."

Anyone interested in training to become a child minder should contact Bristol Family Information Service on 0845 129 7217.

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. The conference takes place at the Woodward Centre, Alexandra Park, Fishponds from 9.30am until 1.15pm.