Parents of young children in the north of the Island are being reminded that new regulatory standards introduced for childminders came into force on October 13. The revisions to the care standards by the Department of Health and Social Care take account of evolving best practice, both on the Island and in neighbouring jurisdictions, and aim to ensure that all children in the care of a childminder will benefit from a safe and secure environment.
For anyone who may not be able to find a childminder who complies with these new standards, The Children’s Centre is reminding parents that there is nursery provision in Ramsey at the charity’s Bonwick Day Care Centre. Angela Guest, Head of Early Years and Play at The Children’s Centre, commented:
“The Children’s Centre recognises that registered childminders play a valuable role in caring for children, and we welcome the introduction of these new standards. However, for many parents nursery provision can be a better option. For example, a nursery can still provide care if a member of staff is affected by illness, whereas a childminder is less likely to be able to provide alternative care in the same scenario. Nurseries – such as our Bonwick Day Care Centre in Ramsey – are able to provide a more diverse range of activities, and offer opportunities for social interaction which is very important in a child’s learning and development.”
Bonwick Day Care Centre in Lezayre Road is home to the only baby nursery in the north of the Island and there are still places available for immediate starters. The nursery has a large outdoor area and garden, which provide a safe and natural environment for the babies to explore. Bonwick Day Care Centre also offers day care for children up to pre-school age, and hosts an After School Club and Holiday Club. This means that its experienced team of professionally qualified carers can provide consistent care in a familiar, stable, environment through every stage of a child’s development.
The Centre is in the final stages of working towards the Manx Step Into Quality Award, and is expected to complete the assessment process early next year. This award is made to childcare providers which consistently achieve the highest standards in their practice.
For more information about the Bonwick Day Care Centre baby nursery call Angela Guest on 637961 or email angelaguest@thechildrenscentre.org.im.
Photo - Angela Guest, Head of Early Years and Play at The Children’s Centre.
