Council grants on offer to train new childminders

Rotherham Borough Council said there was a need to provide more places because of the new 30-hour offer brought in by the Government.

There has been a decline in interest in entering the profession and RMBC is offering £150 funding to become a childminder.

Further grants of up to £255 for training costs and £100 in early years resources is also available in certain parts of Rotherham.

Cllr Gordon Watson, deputy leader and cabinet member for children services, said: “We have seen a drop in childminders in recent years. 

“This is a national trend as well as a local issue, so we are looking to build on the quality of childminding in Rotherham by recruiting more if we can.

“Childminders provide a unique, flexible home-based service to children and their families and they are crucial to our childcare offer. 

“We want to ensure that we have sufficient childcare and we can give parents a diverse choice.”

The council is aiming to make childminding an attractive career by showing how it can involve working at home and flexible hours.

Anyone interested in childminding can visit the Rotherham Families Information Service website at rotherhamfis.co.uk/be-a-childminder or contact the Early Years Training Team on 01709 822691. 

Cllr Watson said: “We will do everything we can to ensure new and current childminders have the support they need for training and development.

“Not only will we fund your initial training but we will continue to support you once you become registered. There will always be someone on hand to offer help and advice.”