The Early Years Service provides support for registered and prospective childminders. There is a free inclusion on the Children's Information Service Database, which enables vacancies to be quickly and efficiently filled.
All childminders must be registered with Ofsted. Please contact the Early years Service to start the process.
The National Childminding Association offers a wide range of services to childminders and parents regarding issues such as insurance and training. They operate both locally and nationally.
There are drop-in centres for childminders and the children in their care held at many sites around the borough. These are supported by the Bunbury Project, a voluntary organisation that is grant aided by Lewisham.
Drop-in groups provide an opportunity for children to play in groups and make a wider circle of friends. The Bunbury Project workers are on hand to organise activities and the Lewisham Toy Library regularly visits each group to enable childminders to have access to new supplies of toys.
Drop-in centres for childminders
Ackroyd Community Centre
Ackroyd Road
Forest Hill SE23 1DL
Opening hours: Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am
Bellingham
BNCA Hall
Bellingham Green SE6
Opening hours: Thursday 10am-12am
Downham
Downham Way Family Church
Bromley BR1
Opening hours: Wednesday 1pm-3pm
Goldsmiths Community Centre
Boundfield Road
Catford SE6 1QD
Opening hours: Monday 9.30am-11.30am, Friday 9.30am-11.30am
Grove Park
Ringway Centre, Baring Road
Grove Park SE12
Opening hours: Monday 1pm-3pm
Ladywell Early Years Centre
Rushey Mead (off Dressington Avenue)
Brockley, SE4 1JJ
Opening hours: Thursday 9.30am-11.30am
Lochaber Hall
Lochaber Road (off Lee Road)
Lee SE12 8OL
Opening hours: Tuesday 1pm-3pm
Morden Mount and Heathside Community Centre
Morden Mount School, Lewisham Road
Lewisham SE13
Opening hours: Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am
New Cross Gate
Monson School, Hunsdon Road
New Cross SE14
Opening hours: Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am
St Andrews Community Centre
Wickham Road
Brockley SE4
Opening hours: Monday 10am-12noon
Sydenham
Champion Hall, Champion
Sydenham, SE26
Wednesday 9.30am-11.30am