The National Childminding Association (NCMA)

The National Childminding Association (NCMA) is a national charity and membership organisation that promotes high quality registered childminding in England and Wales so that children, families and communities can benefit from the best in childcare and education. NCMA was founded in 1977 by childminders, parents and local authority workers and is a unique, professionally staffed organisation with registered childminders involved at all levels. There are 50,000 members in the NCMA supported by 400 staff.

The local office in Southampton is based at the Warren Centre. NCMA have a contract with Southampton City Council, Early Years Development and Childcare Team, to provide a service of support for every registered childminder in the city. NCMA make sure that all childminders have access to services, training, information and support in order to do their job well. The range of services to support childminding in Southampton include:-

Support Childminding Scheme:- Set up to offer newly registered childminders support for the first year of childminding by linking them to a Support Childminder who acts as a mentor. 

Training and Professional development:- NCMA offers training to help childminders develop their professional career. NCMA in association with the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education (CACHE) have developed the Diploma in Home Based Childcare. A national recognised level 3 qualification currently available at the Warren Centre.

Quality Assurance:- Childminders can join an approved Quality Assurance Scheme, known as a Childminding Network, in order to demonstrate to parents and Ofsted their commitment to providing quality care. At this level childminders are able to provide additional services such as Community Childminding and Funded Nursery Education for 2, 3 and 4 year old children.

Further information on any of these childminding projects and becoming a registered childminder can be obtained by contacting NCMA directly at the Warren Centre on 023 80789486 or through www.ncma.org.uk and the Childrens Information Service website www.southamptonchildcare.org.uk Further details on the benefits offered through NCMA membership view www.ncma.org.uk or telephone membership services direct line 0208 2908999.

Greenways Sure Start

Greenways Sure Start Children's Centre brings together childcare, early education, health and family - support services for families with children under 5 years old. It is the cornerstone of the Government's drive to tackle child poverty and social exclusion working with parents-to-be, parents, carers and children to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of babies and young children so that they can flourish at home and when they get to school.
Greenways is the Children's Centre for Coxford, Lordshill, parts of Aldermoor and Shirley Warren. We run an exciting and diverse programme of activities across the Children's Centre area ranging from stay and play and parent and baby groups, to baby massage, parenting courses and speech and language groups.

Our team based in offices at the Warren Centre consists of friendly staff who specialise in community development, play and employment and training, we are keen to work together with parents and community groups to make a positive difference to children and their families.

If you would like to know more about what Greenways Children's Centre can offer you and your family, or you would like to be involved in the parents forum group then please telephone us on the number below or pop into the Warren Centre office for a 'What's On' programme.

Email: Surestart.Coxford@southampton.gov.uk

TEL: 023 80833863