5. Oldham Childminding Mentor and Buddy Scheme
The scheme is a partnership between a new childminder (called the Buddy); a fully qualified and experienced Childminder from the Oldham Professional Independent Childminders Network (OPIC) (called Mentor) and Oldham Local Authority.
The aim of the scheme is:
- To develop the quality of childminding practice through mentor/buddy support with existing childminders who have outstanding or good practice
- To promote an ethos of mentoring, support and sharing good practice through the Oldham Professional Independent Childminder network
The Mentor - Buddy Code of Practice
The Code of Practice is important to ensure that there is a professional and consistent approach to working in partnership together and to the same standards of best practice.
The Mentor will;
- make initial contact with the buddy
- support them in developing best practice
- discuss a support plan
- maintain confidentiality between themselves and the Buddy Partner unless there is a safeguarding issue
- offer the Buddy 2 visits, one to the mentor setting to gain experience of the enabling environment and one to the home of the Buddy
The Mentor cannot guarantee and/or be held responsible for the following:
- the childminders grading by Ofsted
- how soon the childminder will obtain business
- promoting the childminders business
The Buddy Partner will:
- reply to initial contact
- maintain contact with mentor as agreed together
- maintain confidentiality at all times especially when visiting the mentor’s setting unless there is a safeguarding issue
- be a good timekeeper when visiting the mentor’s setting
- hold a valid and recent enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate