Wiltshire Childminder's Support Package

Membership benefits

There are many benefits to joining the Wiltshire Childminder's Support Package, they include:

a named Officer
annual visits
telephone and email support
dedicated member's newsletter
membership certificate to share with Ofsted and parents
access to the Wiltshire Self Reflective Tool. This useful tool will evidence your own self-evaluation to ensure you are meeting the requirements.
access to cluster meetings 3 times per year. The clusters will provide you with an invaluable opportunity to share ideas alongside good practice and will support your continued professional development as well as:
- keeping you informed and up to date on developments and training in childcare, both locally and nationally
- provide an opportunity for you to network
- debate local and national issues affecting the childcare sector
- share ideas around best practice
- bite-sized training delivered by the whole Early Years Team

How much it costs

£75 (inc VAT) one off non-refundable payment, renewed annually.

How to join

New members will be welcome to join either September or April each year.

Go to the Right choice for your school (opens new window) website and view the childminders' resource page.

If you have further queries email childcareworkforce@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

Members quotes

Being part of the childminder support package has been enormously helpful to me in my setting making me feel confident that my policies and procedures are up to date and Ofsted ready. Having my childminding officer on hand for advice, not just for safeguarding issues, has helped me to make adjustments where needed and given me confidence that I have correct and up to date information at all times. The visits to my setting have been a great help, having face to face communication is much more beneficial for delivering information and the cluster meetings have allowed me to meet other minders in the area who are members of the scheme, widening my training and sharing experiences with each other. During the Covid-19 pandemic we have adapted to meeting live on line which has been lovely to be able to continue having support. It has been a very worthwhile investment. Paula

It has been invaluable to have someone to answer questions, act as a sounding board and provide updates. Visiting Stepping Stones was the highlight of the cluster meetings. Thank you for all the support. Dawn

The support package provided for childminders in Wiltshire has helped me enormously in my role as a childminder; initially helping me prepare for my first Ofsted inspection. Also, by providing regular e-mail updates to ensure my practice conforms to changes in standards and by creating opportunities for network meetings and training to meet with other childminders and share good practice. It is reassuring to know that when I have a query or a problem arises, I can contact someone who will get back promptly with an answer which during the covid-19 pandemic has been invaluable. Working as a childminder can be isolating, you do not have colleagues to turn to and ask, "What do you think I should do?" The County Support team are all approachable and informed when ever I speak with them I come away feeling reassured about my role as a childminder. Jenny

Working with children is not only incredibly rewarding but enables you to share fantastic moments with colleagues and families. This coupled with the ongoing support I receive from the Quality Assurance Officers (QAO) has been invaluable in what often can be secluded when working alone. But their endless support and Interactive communication via email, calls, cluster meetings and work shops. Not only gives me the peace of mind that I am up to date with all changes as they happen but helps me to strive towards providing the highest quality standards within my childcare setting. Linda