As part of our ongoing ‘Make a change. Build a future.’ campaign, we are working to attract people searching for a rewarding career into early years and childcare.
There are currently 714 registered childminders in Essex. We are looking to increase this by offering a range of support. This includes advice and a variety of helpful services. Discover the routes to becoming a childminder.
Our campaign aligns with the government’s priorities to support new childminders. People can apply for a government grant to cover start-up costs. Eligible new childminders can apply for a £600 grant if registered with Ofsted. Two payments of £600 are available if they register with a childminder agency.
Councillor Beverley Egan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years, is passionate about changing perceptions around childminding. She said:
Childminding offers a very rewarding career opportunity. It also offers entrepreneurs a chance to start their own business and develop a thriving career. Childminding is a fruitful, flexible career choice. You can choose your own hours and build close connections with local families. You can also create your own curriculum based on the EYFS framework.
There’s plenty of support to help manage start-up costs and train new childminders. I’d encourage anyone looking for a rewarding career to find out more.”
Essex-based childminder, Jodie Daniel is supporting our recruitment campaign. She recognised a need for childminders in her local area. Jodie said:
I love being a childminder because there are so many opportunities to grow my business.
There are also so many great support groups and training opportunities out there for childminders. There’s a local childminder group mentoring hub for people who are new to the sector, where more experienced childminders can mentor them.
I built my business slowly, gradually taking on more children, but as my knowledge and confidence grew, my business flourished. Our agency graded us as ‘Outstanding’, and I’m so proud to have built my business from the ground up.”
Find more information about a career in early years or search the latest early years and childcare vacancies.
