THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL CHILDMINDING ASSOCIATION

The National Childminding Association was set up in 1977 by childminders, parents and local authority workers. The Association is a unique charity and membership organisation which helps and supports childminders.

The NCMA works closely with the government and Welsh Assembly and provides a voice for childminders and home-based child carers, ensuring that our views and opinions are heard. Legislation which affects childminding, is monitored by the NCMA and any relevant information is passed on to its members.

The National Childminding Association works hard to promote childminding in a variety of different ways such as:

• campaigning on issues which NCMA members feel strongly about;
• developing specialist training and Quality Assurance schemes;
• supporting and encouraging childminding groups;
• producing and selling products which have been designed specifically for childminders, including contracts, record and accident books;
• offering public liability insurance and legal representation specifically tailored to childminders’ needs.

During my years working as a childminder I have been a member of the National Childminding Association and I would thoroughly recommend that all new childminders consider joining the Association. The NCMA offers a variety of subscription packages to suit both individual and group childminders and you should contact them for further details.

THE BENEFITS OF NCMA MEMBERSHIP

Special deals for members

You will benefit from certain special offers and discounted rates which have been negotiated by the NCMA on products such as:

• Healthcare cash plan covering such things as dental and optical fees.
• Breakdown services.
• Unsecured loans from £2,000 to £25,000.
• Toy store discount of 10 per cent off purchases in store.

You will also receive copies of the membership magazine Who Minds?. The magazine is sent out four times per year and is packed with useful up-to-date information on government policies, health and safety, days out, childminding news, special offers, readers’ letters etc.

Products

You will be entitled to purchase any of the products they supply at a discounted rate. The NCMA has developed tools which are invaluable to the smooth running of a childminding business such as:

• Inland Revenue-approved cash books;
• accident books;
• medical records;
• receipt books;
• advertising packages;
• training aids;
• childminding journals;
• aprons, tabards, bags, badges, fleeces etc bearing the NCMA logo.

Services

You will also be entitled to services such as:

• NCMA Information Line: This is a free information helpline for childminders, offering advice on all aspects of childminding including pay and conditions, contracts, allegations of child abuse etc. It can be a very worthwhile service for childminders, particularly those new to the profession or for those coming across a problem they have not encountered before. Impartial, confidential advice is invaluable.
• Legal Advice Line: Another free helpline, this time offering professional advice on legal problems such as contracts and pay disputes.