Childminder Network
Childminding can often feel isolating, and our network offers opportunities to come together, reflect, share, learn and inspire great practice.
View our Local Offer below.
Join the Bristol & Beyond SPH Childminders Network
Childminder Connect
Please join our Network for Support, Learning, and Connections.
We know being a childminder can be isolating and tough. Alongside the daily care and nurturing, you’re constantly tackling the complex needs of the children and families in your care, while juggling the pressure of ever-changing Early Years statutory requirements and funding models.
We know sometimes it feels like you are trying to balance childminding with your family life, and it can feel like you cannot be managing both as well as you would like.
The hub is here to make connections happen for you—with your peers, your local community, and with accessible new learning.
Three Ways to Connect:
- Network ‘Meet Ups’ for Shared Learning and making connections: Join us for scheduled, online gatherings designed for genuine connection. These aren’t just networking events; they are safe spaces for shared learning, problem-solving, and emotional support. Swap strategies, discuss the latest policy changes, and build a reliable circle of professionals who truly understand your day-to-day challenges. (Click Here)
- Personalised Online Support from Childminder Connectors: Access one-on-one help and tailored advice from our dedicated Childminder Connectors. Read more about how you could benefit from supervision, meet some of our childminder connectors and fill in an Expression of Interest Form. (Click Here)
- Vibrant Online Community: Stay informed and stay connected on our Facebook Group. Use this to share a quick win, ask a pressing question, access last-minute resources, or simply feel the support of hundreds of local colleagues. (Click Here)
We firmly believe that you are the experts. The most effective support models come from the people who live and breathe this work every day. That’s why the Bristol and Beyond SP Hub is committed to working with you to develop support structures that are authentically led by childminders and run by childminders. Your voice is the most important part of this project.
Childminders Outdoor Learning Programme for South Gloucestershire
Do you love exploring wild spaces with your children but sometimes feel a bit stuck for ideas or to know what most benefits the children you work with? Would you like to build your confidence and gain a Level 2 qualification in Outdoor Learning at the same time? Come and connect with us for our seasonal Outdoor Learning programme
If you are interested, please read more and complete an Expression of Interest Form.
Participants on the course will have to come to all four seasonal sessions, bring your children, explore, play and learn together. You will also collect a resource pack with a free resource from each session. There is also one online evening tutorial session to be attended.
This programme would usually cost about £500 per person, but it is being funded by the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub. This time it is for childminders only in South Gloucestershire.
This programme includes 4 seasonal sessions through 2026, plus an online tutorial.
Regional Offer
Our Regional Offer, which can be accessed by all childminders in our 8 Local Authorities, will include training and input from inspirational speakers or information sharing around relevant themes. It’s a fabulous opportunity to connect together and consider big-picture thinking.
Webinar: Early Years Nutrition for Settings and Childminders with Jo Ingleby
Join Jo Ingleby from The Children’s Kitchen for this practical webinar on the new Nutritional Guidance for Early Years Settings. Learn how to improve snacks and meals, promote healthier lunchboxes, develop food policies, and access helpful resources. Perfect for childminders and early years practitioners!
Exploring and Growing Fresh Produce in a Childminder Setting With The Children’s Kitchen
This session is led by Jo Ingleby, the Director of The Children’s Kitchen, a Feeding Bristol project focused on encouraging young children and families to explore, cook and grow fresh produce.
Local Offer
Our Local offer is bespoke to each Local Authority and responds to the needs of childminders in each area. Sessions will provide great opportunities to make links and connections with other childminders who ‘get’ the joys and challenges of working in this valuable but often overlooked role. There will be opportunities for professional and informal conversations in a friendly, supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Ready to Shape the Future?
If you’re passionate about strengthening our profession, we need you!
- Are you interested in starting a local childminder group in your area to bring peers together?
- Do you have the experience and passion to become a paid Childminder Connector and mentor others?
- If so, please get in touch today! We are here to provide the framework, resources, and funding to make strong, regional connections a vital and lasting reality for all childminders.
If you have any questions about the above Local Network events or are interested in supporting the building of a Childminder network in your local area, please get in touch with:
SPH Childminder Network Lead: Caroline Vans – cmnetwork@beyth.co.uk
