Childminders Network

Childminding Network meetings are held to

provide a broad range of relevant information
provide an opportunity for childminders voices to be heard
enable childminders to form a support group in their local area
identify training needs within the group
meet up with each other in a social setting

Childminding Network Dates and Venue for January- June 2011.

Please book in by contacting Carmel on 094 9622540 or email cmao@roscommonchildcare.ie

Date	Time	Venue
17th February 2011	10.00am-12.30pm	Upsie daisies Roscommon town
16th MaRCH 2011	10.00am-12.30pm	Upsie daisies Roscommon town
21st April 2011	10.00am-12.30pm	Upsie daisies Roscommon town
19th May 2011	10.30am-12.30pm	Upsie daisies Roscommon town
14th june 2011	10.00am-12.30pm	Upsie daisies Roscommon town

Network coffee mornings will commence again in September 2011

What makes a good Network

Networks should work together to develop a clear understanding and statement of their basis for unity - is it a shared goal, a shared location, a shared philosophy, a shared experience? What is it that is vital that all members share? Determining the basis of unity is essential to the network’s identity; it also helps to establish who can and who cannot join. Working from the broadest possible basis of unity in order to encourage and facilitate inclusiveness, needs to be balanced against maintaining an identity and remaining sincere to the network’s aims and objectives.

Regular time is required to identify the collective strengths, riches and differences of the network’s members. It is essential for all members to name, recognise, respect and work with difference.

Networks need to develop an informed programme of work based on consultations with members giving consideration to expressed priorities, resources, capacity and needs. The programme needs to specify task, responsibilities, roles and time limits.

Good networks establish good structures for accountability and participation. This means developing open, two way communication and accurate information and financial systems, publicising decisions, policies, areas of responsibility and developing ways to ensure active participation by its members through ongoing communication.

Effective networks are committed to and invest in regular evaluation through which the impact of the network’s work is assessed in terms of both task and process. Such evaluations pose questions like: How representative is the network? Who is missing? How are decisions made? How active/involved are the members? What needs to change? Is there a need for the network to continue? Who carries out the work of the network?

Networking is essentially about relationships. It is important to value meeting and working together and to invest in celebration and having fun. Social events bond people and groups and build solidarity.