Department For Education
About the programme
The childminder mentor programme offers bespoke support to childminders across England. Experienced early years professionals will support childminders to help children recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes narrowing the gap between disadvantaged children and others.
Trained early years professionals will provide support to childminders in the roles of area lead and mentor. Area leads and mentors may support childminders to:
- identify strengths and areas for development
- improve your confidence in or knowledge of child development
- implement the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework
- plan an effective curriculum
- support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- support children with English as an additional language (EAL)
- build strong relationships with parents and carers
Who can apply
Childminders mustcurrentlybe providing childcare to at least one child aged between 0 to 5.
You can apply for support as an individual, or with other childminders as part of a small group (of up to 4 people). If you apply as an individual, youll be placed in a group with others.
What youll get
Youll get support and advice from mentors who have at least 3 years experience in the childminder sector. Youll also have an opportunity to network with other childminders in your area who are part of the programme.
Support is free and will be mainly virtual. If suitable, there will be an option to meet face-to-face.
If your application is successful, the support will start in May 2023.
Youll get up to 4 days of support to childminders over one term. The 4 days will be split into hours, to suit the mentor and the childminders they are supporting.
Apply for support
To apply for support from the programme, complete the application form on our delivery partner, Hempsalls website.
Applications to receive support in the first term of the programme close on 17 February 2023.
Contact us
Email any queries about the childminder mentor programme to: eoi.EYRECOVERY@education.gov.uk.
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Last updated 11 January 2023 +show all updates
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Updated to reflect that applications for the roles of area lead and mentor are now closed. Childminders can now apply for support from mentors and area leads through the childminder mentor programme.
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First published.