29th August
How Can Childminders Support Young Parents
As a childminder you may come into contact with young parents (under 20 years old) who are looking to return or have returned to learning or training. Young parents will often seek information, advice and financial support for their childcare under the Care to Learn scheme. This scheme helps young parents return to learning or training in the knowledge that their childcare costs are being paid for. They may also look to someone to talk to about the different issues and problems they face in life generally and as parents. It is possible they could turn to you for advice, support or help on a range of problems.
Would you know how to help them?
Would you know when to call on the help of others to resolve a young parents problem?
Would you know which person, organisation or agency to call on, or refer them to for help?
To assist you in giving timely support to a young parent Care to Learn have produced a document entitled, 'Working with Young Parents: a Code of Practice for Childcare Providers'. This document provides useful information about the different types of issues young parents could raise with you, and a range of possible responses.
If you would like a copy of the Code of Practice you can either download it from the following website http://caretolearn.lsc.gov.uk/cop or contact Wakefield District Children's Information Service on 0800 587 8043 to request a copy.
28th August
Launch of a Brand New Early Years News Service
Early Years News UK is the country's first national purely online news and information service for early years. It is packed with updated news; valuable features; training opportunities; jobs; and a free online discussion forum.
Early Years News UK is aimed at busy professionals who want to keep up to date with current events and improve their practice. There is something for everyone including childminders; out of school staff; nurseries; nursery schools; heads of early years departments; pre-school playgroups and all those interested in the sector.
The coming months and years promise to be an exciting time for early years with billions of pounds of government investment. We will explain new initiatives and examine the impact on your business or service. Where possible, we will interview the key players to ask the questions you want to know the answers to. With a target audience of over 20,000 it is the ideal place to advertise or find a wide range of jobs anywhere in the country.
Run out of ideas for high quality activities for children? Read our valuable features on fun, engaging and educational ways to keep young children on task and happy! You can also join in with discussions on our early years forum. Share your thoughts and experiences with others and enjoy lively debates.
To sign up to this new service go to www.earlyyearsnewsuk.co.uk or send an email to jennifer@jenniferbeckles.com.