Department For Education
Background
In October 2021, the Department for Education (DfE) announced funding to help address the impact of the pandemic. This includes the early years COVID-19 recovery experts and mentors programme.
The DfE early years COVID-19 recovery experts and mentors programme currently supports private, voluntary or independent(PVI) nursery settings, maintained nursery schools and school-based nurseries.
DfE have now expanded this offer of support to childminders.
The early years COVID-19 recovery childminder mentor programme will go live from April 2023.
About the programme
The childminder mentor programme will offer bespoke support by trained early years professionals in the role of area lead and mentor, to childminders across the country.
Available roles
There are 2 different roles available.
We are currently looking for experienced early years professionals to become area leads and mentors.
Both area leads and mentors will be assigned to a small group of childminders to support and advise. Support will be predominately virtual, with an option to meet face-to-face, if this is feasible for all involved.
Area leads will also support the mentors in their area.
Skills were looking for
We are looking for applicants with at least 3 years experience in the childminder sector, with a focus on children aged between 0 to 5 years.
We will accept applications from:
- current childminders
- former childminders who are now working in a different type of early years setting, such as a nursery, childminder agency or similar organisation
- staff members from local authorities, childminder agencies or similar organisations with evidenced experience of the childminder sector
If a large number of high scoring applications are received, applications will be considered and positions filled in the following order:
- current childminders
- former childminders
- other applications
This is in consideration that the focus of the programme is on providing peer-to-peer support.
We will consider applications from early years consultants with evidenced experience of the childminder sector who are affiliated with or work for a local authority, childminder agency or similar organisation. As outlined, these applications will be considered after applications from current and former childminders.
Current childminders must have an Ofsted rating of good or outstanding, or the equivalent childminder agency rating. Former childminders must also provide their most recent rating and fit these criteria.
Applicants for the role of area lead must have a level 3 or above early years qualification. This is not essential for the role of mentor but is desirable.
See the EOI application forms for further information on eligibility.
All roles will focus on helping children recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including narrowing the gap between disadvantaged children and others.
How to apply for a role in the programme
To apply for a role, complete the relevant expression of interest (EOI) form and outline your relevant skills and experience. The documents provide details of the responsibilities and activities you will undertake in each role.
If you are interested in applying for both roles, complete the area lead application and indicate on your form whether you wish to also be considered for the role of mentor. If successful, applicants will be given one role.
Expression of interest (EOI) application forms
Deadline
Submit your expression of interest form to eoi.EYRECOVERY@education.gov.uk by midday on 16 December 2022.
You can also contact this mailbox with any additional queries.
Further information
Applicants must be available to attend training between February and April 2023 and start supporting childminders from April 2023.
How we will use your data
The explains how we will use your information.