Access Keys:

How do you rate this information / service?

Find My Nearest
Enter your postcode to find services and information for your area on a map e.g. schools, libraries and GP surgery
Translate this web page

23/5/2005 - Childminders conference a great success

Childminders across the county congratulate Cumbria Sure Start for the success of its recent annual childminders conference.

The conference was Cumbria Sure Start's second annual childminders conference and was attended by 60 childminders. Victoria Ashfield, Cumbria County Council's Corporate Director - Education, opened the conference and gave an inspirational speech to delegates making the childminders feel valued for the work they do. 

A free crèche was provided for children aged 6 months to six years to make it easier for childminders to attend. There was also a circus skills workshop attended by 26 children who thoroughly enjoyed themselves! 

All the workshops were well received and feedback from delegates was really positive with 100% saying they would definitely attend another conference. 

Dareneth Cook, a development worker for Cumbria Sure Start said:

"The conference aimed to support childminders across the County giving them the opportunity to improve their skills and up date their training. Childminders often feel isolated and may leave the profession because of this. We need to ensure that we retain quality childminders to meet the needs of parents and children in Cumbria. The conference also gave childminders an opportunity to share ideas and best practice in order to ensure that we continue to offer quality childminding in Cumbria."

Positive feedback from delegates: 

"A brilliant day very interesting"

"Had a really good day look forward to next time"

"Enjoyed the team spirit and social aspect"

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, the lunch and all the workshops"

"Well worth coming"

"Victoria Ashfield was tuned in"

"Thank you keep up the good work"

"Goody bag excellent - organisation excellent"

"Excellent day well done to all the organisers"

"Find it a great way of meeting new childminders and discussing items with them"

Cumbria Sure Start would like to thank the following organisations for their help in supporting the conference: Eden Ostrich World, Cumberland Building Society, Furness Building Society, Nursery World, Organix Goodies and Hipp for free gifts for the conference packs.