Free childminding sessions on offer

East Perthshire residents interested in becoming a childminder have been invited to attend Perth and Kinross Council’s early education and childcare strategy team’s latest free introductory sessions to the field.

Two ‘Introduction to Becoming a Childminder’ sessions, which are aimed at people considering childminding as a career option, take place later this month.

The sessions will be held on Tuesday, August 23, from 7-9pm and Wednesday, August 24, from 9.30-11.30am.

They are described as providing a relaxed opportunity not only to find out exactly what childminding involves but also to consider the impact of working as a childminder on your home and family life, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of looking after children in your own home and think about whether childminding would suit you personally.

The sessions, which a spokesperson for the local authority said are part of the council’s efforts to support the development and delivery of high quality, sustainable childcare that meets local families’ needs, are informal and there is plenty of group discussion involved with the chance to explore your own particular queries.

There are also two options for the next pre-registration training courses.

A two-day course takes place on Wednesday, August 31, and Thursday, September 1, running from 9.30am to 4.30pm on both days.

Alternatively, there is a four-week long evening course, starting on Tuesday, September 6, and running from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Topics covered include how to register with the Care Inspectorate, advice on running your own business, working with children and parents, policies and procedures, promoting positive behaviour, health and safety, play, risk assessment, and child protection.

Both the introductory sessions and pre-registration training courses are held at Perth Grammar School’s Community Wing.

A crèche can be provided to enable you to attend during the day if required.

Anyone interested has been advised that it is beneficial if considering childminding as a career to try to attend an introductory session before booking for pre-registration training.

For further information, visit www.pkc.gov.uk/childminding.

Or you can contact the early education and childcare strategy team by telephoning 01738 472350 or emailing childcare@pkc. gov.uk