Isle of Wight Council’s Early Years Service is arranging an information evening to offer help and advice to those people who are considering registering as a childminder.

The information evening is being held on 9th September at Thompson House on Sandy Lane in Newport between 7 — 9pm. The council’s Early Years staff, a course tutor and a registered childminder will all be available to offer advice and guidance. 

From 1st September, new government guidelines are coming into force for registered childminders. These focus on the learning development of children from birth up to the age of 5. These new regulations will be explained during the evening and advice given.       

Isle of Wight Council Head of Preventative Services Clare Messenger said

‘The forthcoming changes have seen in some areas across the country a drop in the number of childminders, however locally the numbers have remained consistent.

Childminders locally receive support and advice from initial enquiry through registration to their first inspection. this information evening is the ideal opportunity for interested people to come along and find out all they need to know about becoming a childminder’. 

Monthly drop-in sessions for registered childminders are available all year round where those attending can socialise with other childminders and their children. Each drop in is themed, with extra activities and information available.

To book on to the course or for more information about childminding and the various courses available through contacting the Early Years Service on 528645 or email the Childminding Development Coordinator Ruth Carter at ruth.carter@iow.gov.uk