AGM 2009
Another good year for BCMA...
Click here to read the Chairman’s report for 2009
Bromley Childminding Association held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 23rd September 2009 at the Emmanuel Church in West Wickham.
Sadly the turn out was very poor, however those that did attend were able to choose a set of books as a thank you for coming. The book sets had all been carefully chosen to link with elements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or the outcomes of the Every Child Matters Agenda. There were sets of books and CDs for learning French, great to help school aged children learn their second language which is now compulsory for primary schools to teach. Another set were on eco crafts for children to do, great to demonstrate how you as a childminder and your minded children are learning about the environment and how to make a positive contribution to it. The final set were on ICT for children, which links to EYFS.
Those who did attend were able to learn about the Early Years Development and Childcare partnership from Nina Newell, the current Chair. She explained the history of EYDCPS and their importance in developing childcare and early education in Bromley. She spoke about the Forums that are organised. Currently Sally Graham, the BCMA rep on the EYDCP is often the only person who attends these Forums. Whilst Sally does a great job in representing Childminders, she is a lone voice at these forums. If Childminders want to hear what is happening locally and nationally from the Local Authority and want to raise concerns or issues that are affecting them, then this is the place to do it. Whether it be an issue around lack of support, accredited networks, training and qualifications, funding, stay and plays etc the Forum provides an opportunity to air them and then the LA or EYDCP will take them forward.
BCMA would love to see more Childminders attend these Forums and join Sally to make positive changes for Childminders. As an incentive, BCMA are offering one set of books (from those mentioned above) for every childminder who attends the next Forum. (Subject to availability).
Details of the Forum Meeting
Wednesday 21st October 2009 7pm at the EDC (Education Development Centre-
These sessions are very informal, they appreciate that a 7pm start for some childminders is not practical so you are welcome to join the meeting when you can.
Nina also explained that she would be delighted to hear the views and issues facing childminders and can be emailed at the following address