Apply for support from the DfE Childminder Mentor programme

Would you welcome some support to further develop your childminding practice?

The Department for Education (DfE) is offering a programme of support for childminders across England, from May 2023 until July 2024. The Childminder mentor programme is focused on supporting childminders to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the youngest and most disadvantaged children.

By joining this programme, you will receive support from experienced early years practitioners who have at least three years' experience as a childminder or supporting childminders, in the roles of Area Lead and Mentor.

The support is free and available across England.

You will also have the opportunity to network with other childminders in your area who are part of the programme and also the Department for education, local authorities and other early years providers.

To be eligible to receive support from the DfE Childminder Mentor programme, childminders must currently be providing childcare to children aged between 0-5 (to at least one child).

We are the DfE’s delivery partner

Hempsall’s is here to manage the recruitment of Area Leads and Mentors, including the application assessment and interviews, and to match them to childminders to support.

How to apply for support

Support for the summer term 2023 has now closed. If you are interested in receiving support for one term during the next academic year, from September 2023 to end of July 2024, please complete the form linked here. Childminders will be able to obtain one term of support.

Closing dates for each term are as follows:

• to access support for the summer term the deadline for submission will be 3rd May 2024.

You can apply for support as an individual, or with other childminders as part of a small group (of up to 4 people).

Please read the document here for more information on the programme, including the amount of support on offer and the main aims of the programme.

Childminder Reporting Form

Once you have received support through the programme, you must complete the short feedback form, by clicking here, to confirm your participation in the programme and to tell us about your experience. It is important we gather your views which will help develop the programme for the next term.

Further information

Any enquiries should be sent to childminders@coramhempsalls.org.uk

How we will use your data

Your application will be sent to Hempsall’s. We may notify your local authority that you have applied for the programme and, with your permission, share the information you have provided with them.

Your data is protected under the DfE privacy notice for the programme, please click here