'Quality First' for Childminders

What is NCMA Quality First?
NCMA Quality First is a quality assurance scheme for individual childminders in England and Wales. It has been designed by the National Childminding Association (NCMA) to provide you with a valuable tool for developing and demonstrating the quality of your service.

What is quality assurance?
Quality assurance is a way of demonstrating that the childminding service you provide has been checked and is of high quality. It should not just be a snapshot of your practice, but should show that you have started on a journey that will keep you moving forward in your professional career by developing and improving your childminding practice.

Who can enrol on NCMA Quality First?
NCMA Quality First is suitable for registered childminders who have some experience of childminding - if you are a new childminder, you may want to wait until you are settled in to your new job and have a range of experience before you start NCMA Quality First.

How much does NCMA Quality First cost?
Many EYDCPs and other local government bodies are providing funding for this scheme, so please check with your local EYDCP to see if they can fund you before you send us any payment.
It will cost you £250 per individual to enrol on NCMA Quality First if you are an NCMA member or NCMA Quality Partner, and £285 if you are not an NCMA member. NCMA members can pay by three monthly instalments of £87. 

How long does NCMA Quality First take to complete successfully?
This will depend on how much time you spend working on your portfolio in a week. Some sections may be easier and take less time if you have completed other childminding training. But overall, we would expect you to complete your portfolio over several months - normally no longer than a year.

What help will I get while I'm completing my portfolio?
You will have access to support and advice from an NCMA Mentor, by phone or if you prefer by email. You may be able to get extra support by attending workshops in your area. Contact your local EYDCP for information about these.

Where can I find out more about NCMA Quality First?
To find out more about NCMA Quality First, call NCMA's Membership Services Department on 020 8290 8999, or your local NCMA contact, Alison Tizard on 01256 300721 alison.tizard@ncma.org.uk

All early years and childcare settings can apply for funding to assist them to undertake the above scheme. The EYDCP is currently reviewing its application criteria and funding.  Enquiries should be directed to Kay Watling 023 8083 2148  kay.watling@southampton.gov.uk