30/10/2006 - Media opportunity: New childminding support group for Whitehaven : Cumbria County Council

A new Whitehaven childminding support group launches on Wednesday (1st November) with a celebratory event at the Kells Library.

The new group, called Super Tots, is being set up to provide local childminders and the children they are looking after with a regular place to meet, interact and exchange ideas.

Based at the Kells Library, the group will run the first Wednesday of every month, starting from 1st November, between 9.30am and 11.00am. All childminders in North Copeland are invited to come along.

Children's centres are currently being set up across the county as part of a Government strategy to make life better for children and families. Cumbria County Council is responsible for planning the location and development of these children's centres, after consulting with parents and other local organisations.

Super Tots is part of the Whitehaven Children's Centre but will run at the Kells library, High Road in Whitehaven. Childminders will have access to a range of stock including books, DVDs and talking books, as well as 'Story Sacs' and 'Tiny Totes'

Most of the centres in Cumbria are being set up as part of Sure Start programmes. A major aim of the centres is to make it easier for children and families to get hold of the services they most need.

Eileen Teasdale is a Support Childminder Coordinator with Sure Start in West Cumbria. She said:

"Wednesday is a chance for local childminders to come along to the group and get involved from the start.

"We are looking for ideas to from the childminders about how they would like the group to run."

County councillor Philip Chappelhow is cabinet member for the council's Children's Services. He said:

"Children's centres work best when they are at the heart of a community.

"This latest addition to the services on offer at Whitehaven children's centre will add to the very good work already being done there."

To find out more about the new childminders' group contact Miriam on 01946 692599 or Audrey on 01946 694065.

For information about other children's centres and childminders in Cumbria, call the Children's Information Service on 08457 125737.

You are invited to send a reporter/photographer/camera to Kells Library, on Wed 1st November at 10.00am

Further information from Alison Lister, media team on 01228 606335 or Katie Walker, Marketing and Communications Officer, Cumbria Sure Start on 01946 832546

Notes for Editors

'Story Sacs' and 'Tiny Totes' are national library initiatives designed to introduce young people to reading

Cumbria Sure Start delivers the national Sure Start agenda for the children, parents and communities of Cumbria.

Sure Start supports children and families from pregnancy through to age 19 by:

- increasing the availability of childcare for all children

- improving health and emotional development for young children