Circle Sure Start Childminders Make the Grade

9.20.16am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 8th Jun 2006

Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, was the of guest of honour at an event at Hill House, Bishopsford Road on Tuesday to celebrate the Circle Sure Start Childminding Network becoming a quality assured childminding network. Circle Sure Start has been accredited under the National Child Minding Association's Children Come First scheme.

This event, where Mr. Brake gave a speech and presented awards for childminders, was to recognise Caroline Bateman, the Network Coordinator, for her hard work and commitment to local childminders.

In his speech, Mr. Brake stressed the professionalism of childminders and the crucial role they play in bringing up children.

He said, "Circle Sure Start is only the second childminding network in the Borough to receive this recognition. I take my hat off to Caroline and the other childminders in the network for their dedication and commitment to the children they care for".

Sure Start Childminding Network sets standards and provides support for those in the profession. Before joining, childminders are assessed by the network coordinator to ensure NCMA standards and once on the network receive regular support visits, training opportunities and access to toy and equipment loan schemes.