Temporary Assistance to Childminders in Disadvantaged Areas

When a child moves on to school or moves out of the area, childminders can often find it takes some time to refill their place. Where this goes on beyond two or three weeks it can seriously affect a childminders income and may lead many to stop minding.
The initiative provides a grant of up to £80.00 per week, ie 80% of the average local level of payment per childminding place for a maximum of five week period. A pro rata amount will be paid if the vacancy is less than full time. It will come into play when a vacancy is unfilled for more that two weeks and is designed specifically to reduce the level of turnover amongst childminders. Individuals will only be eligible to apply for the grant for one vacant place and will be limited to no more than two payments of up to five weeks in any one twelve month period. The grant is made available from DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families). Copies of the application form can be obtained by contacting SureStart County Durham .