Support for Childminders from the Early Years Service

Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Service provides free support for childminders who are registered within the county:

• After completing training to become a childminder and beginning the Ofsted registration process, childminders may contact the Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Service who can support a proposed childminder with a visit before their Ofsted registration visit. Contact The Early Years Team
• Following registration all childminders will be allocated a named Key Contact at the Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Service who they can contact for support over the phone or email, including supporting childminders in their role as SENCO for their setting.
• The Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Service will provide support for registered childminders to become a member of the directory of funded providers.

9 Months to 4 Years Old Funding

• All childminders who provide government funded childcare places are offered 1 visit per year from their Key Contact at Buckinghamshire Council Early Years Service which will be followed up by a report providing recommendations for improving your practice. The support your Key Contact can offer you includes:
  • EYFS Learning & Development
  • Supporting children with SEND
  • Safeguarding and welfare
  • Preparing for your inspection
  • How to run a successful childminding business

Childminder EYFS Audit of statutory duties and associated responsibilities

This EYFS audit can be used by registered childminders in Buckinghamshire to monitor, review and evaluate practice and procedure within the setting.

Childminders must ensure they understand their role and responsibilities and have due regard to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in order to comply with learning and development and safeguarding and welfare requirements.

Childminder EYFS Audit Tool

As a childminder, you are expected to develop your own policies and procedures. This guidance is designed to support you through that process.

Policies and Procedures Guidance and Staff Handbook

You may wish to discuss key aspects of these tools with your Early Years Key Contact either prior to or during a visit. If you are unsure who your key contact is, please contact The Early Years Team