The research into the effectiveness and operation of childminding networks was carried out by the consultancy Cragg Ross Dawson for the Sure Start Unit. The report studied existing networks in nine local authorities and found they were valued by childminders, parents, children and Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships (EYDCPs).
The research found that childminders were 'generally happy' with their decision to join a network. They cited the main benefits as support from the co-ordinator and other members, self-development, raised status and self-esteem, greater professionalism and access to network resources.
The report described the co-ordinator's role as 'absolutely pivotal' to the success of each network and said that new childminders particularly valued having a dedicated individual 'on hand' for information, advice and reassurance. It said, 'They enjoyed the interaction with a like-minded professional whom they trusted, respected and sometimes confided in.'
The findings were welcomed by the National Childminding Association (NCMA).
Gill Haynes, NCMA chief executive, said, 'Childminding networks have proved to be one of the great success stories of the Government's childcare strategy.
'As a result of the report, we are looking forward to even more investment in networks in the future, so that by 2010 they are available to children and parents in every community.'
As part of its national childcare strategy the Government is requiring all 150 local authorities in England to set up 450 childminding networks by next year. Local authorities can claim up to 25,000 from the DfES to cover the costs of setting up a childminding network in its first year.
To qualify for the grant, a network needs to have at least 20 registered childminders and be approved under the NCMA's quality assurance scheme Children Come First. The grant can be used to pay for recruitment, training and the first year's salary of a co-ordinator, and for equipment and toy loans for the childminding network and accreditation costs. After the first year local authorities must find money to pay for the network's running costs.
The NCMA said around 5,000 childminders were working in England and Wales in the 132 networks approved so far under the Children Come First scheme, with around 200 schemes at different stages of development.
The report's authors have also produced a good practice guide for local authorities and EYDCPs for setting up future networks.