CHILDMINDERS in Burnley are being offered free training as a lever to help parents into the jobs market.

The project could mean as much as £600 in tuition for existing childminders and people looking for a career.

And from next April there will also be grants to help potential childminders set up in business.

Finance for the scheme has come from the Burnley Challenge Fund and involves a three-year package.

Staff from Social Services, Burnley College and New Era Enterprises will organise training courses, individual advice sessions and help set up local childminding groups.

Burnley Council leader Kath Reade is chairman of the fund's management committee. She said: "By improving and expanding childminding and after-school care in the borough we can give more parents the chance to find work.

"This project not only supports existing childminders through a range of training courses and individual advice, it will actively encourage more people to turn to childminding as a profession."

Currently, there are more than 100 childminders in the Burnley area. Courses on offer to them and people interested in becoming childminders start with a 10-week introductory session based on child care in the home, normally costing £36, as well as national vocational qualifications in childcare and education and in playwork, both worth around £600.

All the courses are at Burnley College and involve one evening a week, plus home study. Students are assessed on their work rather than sitting examinations.

Courses start in September, and places are limited.

Anyone who is interested should ring Julie Thornborough at New Era Enterprises on 450536 as soon as possible.

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