Hello and welcome to the Childminding Forum.

If you are having problems joining the Forum please read here: Forum help

I started the forum in May 2006. Childminding can sometimes be a lonely business when you are at home alone with the children, especially if you don't have access to any support groups.

In December 2007 the forum was moved to a new and exciting home as the membership was growing so rapidly and reaching nearly 1000 members.

My aim is to bring together Childminders, Childcare Professionals and Parents/Carers to share their experiences with each other. Also, as this board has a Private Messaging Service, you will be able to chat privately with the friends you make here.

I've been a Registered Childminder for 24 years, I am also a Support Childminder and have been involved with my local Childminding Groups for the last 24 years.

I don't claim to know everything about childminding but I'm sure I will know someone who can help find the answer to any questions. I have a wealth of friends and colleagues ranging from Ofsted and ex-Ofsted inspectors, Playworkers, Playgroup workers and NCMA Staff. Many of our members are experienced childminders who will be happy to share their experiences and offer help and advice.

Regular FREE members competitions are run on the Forum, don't miss your chance of a prize.

I also have an information website about childminding - www.childmindinghelp.co.uk this hopefully will answer some questions.

I also a recipe and resource section on the website which has a comprehensive list of tried and tested recipes to serve the children plus many resources and activities to do with the children, these cover all aspects of child development. There are also free downloads of documents and paperwork.

I do hope you will join our growing community. There is also a specific 'Full Member Area' with access for long term regular members only, to talk and discuss issues privately.

Individuals and businesses can also becoem Forum Friends and help keep the site running.

It's unlikely that there will be any technical problems with the boards but if you do encounter any please do get in touch so that it can be fixed.

There are also three Moderators - usernames 'angeldelight', 'deeb66' and 'sarah707' who you can contact regarding any problems if I am away.

This board is for YOU so if you would like to suggest ideas for the future please do so.

Enjoy your time here, look forward to 'meeting' you.

Regards,

Pauline xx