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Worthing Childminding Association,
commonly known as Magic Minders, was founded in 2002 as a voluntary support group for local childminders ( & more recently, registered nannies), and has members from across the Worthing/Arun area. New childminders needed
There is a national shortage of childminders, with numbers more than halving in recent years. In a bid to boost recruitment to the profession the government have announced a £600 grant for those registering from March 2023, so if you are interested in starting out in a rewarding new career, running your own business, working with children in your own home, now is an excellent time to consider becoming a childminder. Magic Minders runs a dedicated Facebook group to support those going through the registration process and is keen to recruit new childminder members. Click here for more information on how to register as a childminder with Ofsted |
To celebrate their 20th Anniversary Magic Minders commissioned a stained glass window on Worthing Pier
Nanny membership
Magic Minders is pleased to announce that membership is now open to Ofsted registered nannies. As home-based childcarers, and lone workers, nannies face many similar challenges to childminders. Magic Minders is therefore delighted to welcome them to the group and offer them the same benefits and support that local childminders have been able to access over the past 20 years. Membership includes access to Magic Minders drop-ins, subsidised training and the popular vacancy service. Click here for more information on how to register as a nanny with Ofsted |
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For parents
Magic Minders recognises that finding the right childcare for your children is an important decision. Our childminder and nanny members are Ofsted (or Ofsted Agency) registered, insured and are qualified first aiders, so you can be sure your child will be safe in their care. Read our Parents' page for more advice and for information about our FREE Childminder Vacancy Scheme |
For childminders and nannies
Starting out as a childminder or nanny can be daunting, with many procedures to follow. Even experienced childminders and nannies may need support sometimes. Magic Minders members have a wealth of experience to share and the group offers drop-in sessions where you can meet other home-based childcarers to get advice, swap ideas or just have a chat. Read our Childminder/nannies Page for more information. |
Funded Childcare: new offer
In the 2023 spring budget, the government announced an extension to funding, with the intention of offering 30 hours (over 38 weeks) to all children aged between 9 months and 2 years, for eligible working parents. Understandably, parents have been asking when this will start and when their children will be eligible. The new funding will be phased in by age, starting with 15 hours for 2-year-olds in April 2024, followed by those aged 9-months upwards in September 2024, rising to 30 hours for 2-year-olds in spring 2025 and for 9-month-olds in September 2025 There is a useful summary of the proposals for parents on the Early Years Alliance website. |
*Funded not Free!
When accessing Free Entitlement funding parents should be aware that although government refer to this as 'free childcare', it is not free. The funding paid to childcarers is intended to cover the cost of providing Early Years education and care, but it falls far short of the amount actually required to deliver these places - estimates by the Early Years Alliance and other professional bodies suggest the shortfall paid to providers is as much as £2.50 per hour. This is a huge loss to bear and many childminders, preschools and nurseries have closed or are struggling to stay open as a direct result. Government have made it clear that settings must not charge mandatory top up fees (the difference between the funding and their usual hourly rate) or for anything that could be considered an integral element of providing Early Years education and care. They can however charge for additional services, such as food, outings and specialist classes, as long as these are optional. They can also ask for voluntary donations towards children's care. For more information see 'Champagne Nurseries on Lemonade Funding', Early Years Equality, and Pregnant then Screwed |