Lesson 1 - Types of support and sources of information required for your home-based setting

1. Lesson One
Types of Support and sources of Information

2. Overview
• National organisations
• Local authorities and organisations
• Family and friends
• Support from York Learning
• Childcare Businesses
• Childminding Network

3. National Organisations
A huge source of information is the Foundation Years website
(www.foundationyears.org.uk).
They have articles to help you provide the best service and care for
children. They also host events across the country, including in
Leeds.
Search for "EYFS" on Google to find the statutory framework.

4. Local Authorities and Organisations
www.yor-ok.org.uk
An initiative set up by City of York Council to help parents and
childcare workers get access to local support and advise.
The Workforce Development Unit on the Yor-ok website offers a
range of training courses specifically designed for childminders or
those working in early years, including courses about the EYFS ,
health and safety and much more.

5. Local Authorities and Organisations cont...
Here are some useful contacts within the local authority.
Family Information Service
TEL: 01904 554444
Childminding Development/Forum
Advisor Julie West
TEL: 01904 553027
julie.west@york.gov.uk
Business Support
Craig Waugh
TEL: 01904 551006
craig.waugh@york.gov.uk

6. Family and Friends
As with setting up any business, it can be very difficult and time
consuming. Having supportive family and friends around you is really
important.
Let them know how much this means to you and share your goals
with them. By communicating with them, it will help them to
understand how important this is to you.

7. Support from York Learning
Throughout your course and in the months afterward we will be
available to chat to and answer questions.
If you ever need advice feel free to contact your tutor.
We have also set up a Facebook group that you will be invited to with
past and present childcare learners to share experiences and ask
questions.

8. Chilcare Businesses
Homebased childminders have a lot of resources that they need in
order to run their business. Here are some useful sites to use.
Pacey
Books, businesses products and toys
www.pacey.org.uk
Morton Michel
Insurance
www.mortonmichel.com

9. Childminding Network
There is a really active childcare network within York. Build a
relationship with other local childminders, play groups and schools.
There are also plenty of forums and networking groups online where
you can share experiences and ask questions. A quick Google search
will show you these.