Experience
I trained as a secondary school teacher and afterwards taught English for six years at a secondary school in Cheltenham. After having my own children I gave up teaching, realising it wasn't the correct career choice for me.
In 1996 I decided to register as a childminder as I enjoyed being with young children and would be able to remain at home with my own. My experience was with older children and I wanted to develop my knowledge and skills with regard to babies, toddlers and young children. I completed the Developing Childminding Practice and Extending Childminding Practice units for the Certificate in Childminding Practice, and then the NVQ level 3.
In 1998 I became a childminding tutor, tutoring the Introduction to Childminding course. In 2002 I moved into my current role, as childcare development officer, working with childminders in the Forest of Dean area. In September 2006, I started a master's degree in Early Years at the University of Gloucestershire, which I hope to complete in 2009. I have just started on the validation pathway of the EYPS.
What I do
The main purpose of my role is to give support and guidance to registered childminders. Part of my job involves visiting new childminders to talk about running a successful business, accessing grants and filling vacancies. I give new childminders support prior to their first Ofsted inspection; we discuss the National Standards and I answer any queries and check all necessary documentation is in place.
In Gloucestershire, we have a Link Childminding Scheme. This helps new childminders through their first year of registration by linking them up with an experienced childminder who can offer help and advice. It is my job to co-ordinate the scheme. I train the Link childminders and meet them regularly. I visit established childminders whenever requested.
I promote training opportunities and the quality assurance schemes. At the moment a group of childminders are completing the Diploma in Home Based Childcare in Coleford. Part of my role is to make sure training is accessible and this is especially important in rural areas such as the Forest of Dean.
There are five other CDOs in Gloucestershire and as a team we put on Childminding Workshop days.
Ambition
Any future career I envisage for myself would involve opportunities to continue learning and developing my expertise within the early years profession.
Options:
Michelle has made a career transition into childminding by bringing together her parenting experience, teaching skills and qualifications, and developing a new role that fits with family life. A career progression into adult tutoring, and local authority service development for the childminding sector, has extended her challenges and professional rewards.
Early Years Professional
As part of Michelle's journey to a new profession she is taking a Validation Pathway route to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS). This will open up wider pathways for Michelle as the EYP status becomes a national standard in this type of setting, leading and delivering excellent practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Salary range: Leading practice in a daycare centre from £27,400 (varying according to role/setting)
For further information on EYPS, see: www.cwdcouncil.org.uk
Lecturer in Childcare and Early Years
Teaching is a thread that runs consistently through Michelle's career. She may consider becoming a full-time lecturer in a college of further education, teaching on early years courses in childcare and education, such as BTEC, CACHE, City & Guilds level 2 & 3 courses and in some cases Foundation Degrees in Early Years. The ability to maintain high standards of teaching and learning is fundamental to the role, as is a passion to inspire those training to work with young children.
- Salary range: £19,500-£29,400
Children's centre manager
Because Michelle has over ten years of experience working with young children and other professionals and in implementing national standards, she may consider a role as a children's centre manager. Her EYPS and masters degree will be of value when applying. This post would require her to manage an integrated setting, in close communication with parents, families, and multi-agency services. Good leadership skills would be necessary and a consistent commitment to the best outcomes for children and families.
- Salary range: £29,000-£39,000
Once her masters degree is completed, and with experience in running a children's centre, Michelle could consider a further progression to university lecturer, teaching on BA programmes.
Name: Michelle Hutchesson
Age: 39
Current role:
Childcare development officer (childminding)
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Degree in Humanities; Post-graduate Certificate in Education (secondary level); NVQ 3 Early Years and Education; A1 assessor's award
- Tina Jefferies, director of the Red Space Company www.redspacecompany.com.
