Group Newsletter June 2009 - Northern Ireland Childminding ...

Welcome to the second edition of the Childminding Support Group Newsletter
for 2009.
You will find lots of information on what’s happening in childminding at a local
level. There are also up-dates on what’s happening within the Association,
including a number of new initiatives.
If you wish to submit information, please contact Lyn Bradley in the NICMA
office by telephone on 028 9181 1015 or e-mail your articles to
lyn.bradley@nicma.org
If you have any comments or feedback on any of the articles included in this
edition, please contact either myself or Lyn in the NICMA office – we would
love to hear from you.
Jenny Adair
Assistant Director
WHATS HAPPENING IN CHILDMINDING AT A LOCAL LEVEL
LIMAVADY AND DISTRICT CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
RHYMETIME - MONDAY 11 MAY 2009 AT BUTTERCUP TOY LIBRARY
To celebrate the Limavady and District Support Group’s 3 rd Anniversary as a
constituted group and NICMA Week a Rhymetime session was held in
Buttercup Toy Library at Rossmar School, Greystone Road, and Limavady on
Monday 11 th May. The session incorporated a mix of songs, rhymes, rhythm
and movement led by Karen Moison from Limavady Library and provided the
opportunity for all the children present to share games, novelty books and
toys. A total of 12 children and childminders attended the event with
refreshments and goody bags provided for everyone.
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The Limavady and District
Childminding Support Group
operate a weekly drop-in for
childminders and their
children every Monday
morning from 9.30a.m to
11.30a.m in Buttercup Toy
Library at Rossmar School.
A Toy Library Facilitator, Mrs
Sharon Thomson has also
been appointed by the

Support Group and opens the Library to members of the public on Thursday
mornings from 10.00 am to 12 noon.
For more information on the Support Group or the Toy Library please contact:
Jacqui Harbinson, 07840 288 278 or 028 7776 2618.
PENINSULA CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
The Peninsula Childminding Support Group has adopted the NICMA
constitution in January 2009, and has elected a committee. Unfortunately, the
numbers attending remain low. In an attempt to attract additional childminders
members have spent time developing flyers to promote the group and have
disseminated them in and around the Ards Peninsula area. Members also
organised a sponsored walk and picnic for NICMA week to raise funds for
venue hire etc. Over the summer months they hope to arrange a visit to the
Ark Farm and hold a finger painting workshop.
FOYLE CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Foyle Childminding support Group held their NICMA week event in Waterside
Library in Derry. The Group Chairperson, Marella Morrison brought along her
large book of rhymes and the children got to do all the rhymes and actions.
Afterwards children
were able to play in
the library and read
the library book of
their choice. Children
all had a great time
learning new stories
and rhymes.
DUNGANNON CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Dungannon Childminding Support Group meets in the Gordon Thompson
suite in the South Tyrone Hospital, Dungannon on the 4th Thursday of every
month. All childminders in the area are welcome to attend. This is a great
opportunity to meet other childminders, to acquire new knowledge both
through the childminders experience and knowledge and through short
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training sessions. It is also a good opportunity to enjoy a relaxing evening
with a cup of tea and good company. Congratulations to five members who
completed the 'Two Year Old Programme' in March. Five members are
currently attending the NICMA Promoting Positive Behaviour Course. Other
members are taking up training opportunities in the next few months, including
Special Needs and First Aid, with three members also working towards their
Quality First Accreditation. We plan to have a meal out at our local Chinese
Restaurant in June and look forward to our next meeting in September.
NEWTOWNARDS AND DISTRICT CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Newtownards and District Childminding Support group meets at 7.30pm on
the 2 nd Wednesday of each month in the NICMA office. At the AGM in
March, a new and enthusiastic Committee were elected. The membership
night in April saw some more new members being added to the group, they
were all made very welcome! The ladies enjoyed making some Easter cards
while getting to know people – old and new.
Instead of a meeting in May the Group held an event for “NICMA Week” in the
KIDZ CLUB in Bangor. This included a Finger Painting Workshop which was a
great success with 30 pairs of little hands taking part. The children had great
fun painting and then playing in the soft play and all went home with a NICMA
balloon to remember the day. A speaker from the Inland Revenue will be a
guest at the meeting in June and we are also planning an evening meal at a
local Chinese restaurant.
Other activities planned for the year include jewellery making, days out with
the children (and nights without!!!!) and a play specialist to name but a few.
If you would like any more information about the group, please do not hesitate
to contact Wilma McVeigh, Group Chairperson on 07814 498 408.
BALLYNAHINCH CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Ballynahinch Childminders proudly
hand over a cheque for £2,335.00 to
Carter Barr, who suffers from
Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy.
Money was raised through selling the
“Childminders Cookbook”, which was
written and published by the group.
Ballynahinch Childminders wish to
thank everyone who has supported
this worthwhile venture
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CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION NEWRY CHILDMINDERS
Local childminders from Newry & South Armagh area took part in a training
session delivered by SureStart South Armagh at their local Childminding
Support Group meeting. The training involved making the most of their wide
range of natural materials found in their own home environment. The session
offered advice on age appropriate resources for the use of treasure baskets.
The evening provided information on a list of suitable materials for collection,
containers, objects that roll etc. and objects that should be avoided. All
childminders received a certificate of attendance to add to their Professional
Development Portfolio.
In attendance:-
Back row from left to right: - Michelle Grant, NICMA Childminding
Development Officer, Agnes Smith, Elaine Daly, Kelly Bradley, Diane Preece,
Mary Hull Sure Start South Armagh. Front Row: - Emma Smith, Lynda Griffin,
Sinead Preece & Jill Mc Ateer.
GLENS CHILDMINDING GROUP
A new childminding Support Group in the Glens of Antrim!
Based in Cushendall, this new group, though small, has adopted the NICMA
Constitution and are now looking forward to inviting speakers and trainers to
their monthly meetings. The Chairperson is Siobhan Morgan, Treasurer is
Sarah McKeegan and the Secretary is Kerrie Black. The group meet on the
3 rd Tuesday of the month in the Old School House, Cushendall at 7.30pm and
welcome all childminders in the area.
4

DOWNPATRICK / NEWCASTLE CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Following Top Activity Training in March 2009, registered Childminders from
Downpatrick and Newcastle got together in April to form a new Support Group
in South Down. The Downpatrick/Newcastle Childminding Support Group has
developed an initial programme of events which included a guest speaker
from Meningitis Awareness and a visit from Madeline Donnelly, NICMA
fundraiser. In the future, the group plan to get together with Ballynahinch
Childminding Support Group to access training and guest speakers etc.
The group meet on the first Wednesday of the month, with the venue rotating
between Newcastle, Ballynahinch and Downpatrick. Contact Fiona
Clendinning Tel: 07837734825 or Email: fiona.nicma@hotmail.com for further
information. New members will be made very welcome.
CHILDMINDERS UNITE IN BALLINDERRY AGHALEE
In response to a concerns about a local facility offering inexpensive "wraparound"
care for children before and after school and during the school
holidays, a group of childminders got together in Ballinderry in May to discuss
the need for a Childminding Support Group in the area with the aim of
promoting local childminding services to parents and the wider community.
The Ballinderry / Aghalee Childminding Support Group has had two meetings
to date and have set up a committee and action plan. Their primary aim is to
promote the services provided by childminders in the local community and
they hope to hold events to generate publicity for childminders. Members also
plan to disseminate posters and leaflets in their area. If you are interested in
joining this new support group contact Fiona Clendinning Tel: 07837734825
or Email: fiona.nicma@hotmail.com for further information.
COLIN CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Recently the Colin Group participated in Learning Through Play and Top
Activity Training. Madeline Donnelly, NICMA Fundraiser has also visited the
group and discussed the possibility of raising funds for NICMA. Colin Group is
keen to be involved in this. The Group also held a very successful Finger
Painting Event and Fun Day during NICMA week.
ARMAGH CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Armagh Childminding Support Group took part in a Teddy Bears Picnic at
Gosford Park Markethill to celebrate and raise awareness of NICMA in their
area.
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MAGHERAFELT SUPPORT GROUP
Many of the ladies who attend the Magherafelt Support Group attended
NICMA’s Special Needs Course in Draperstown. Evaluations have been very
positive with member reporting that they have increased their knowledge and
practical skills. After all this hard
work, the group attended a
“Story sack” workshop which
was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The group are interested in
attracting new members and
extend a warm welcome to
anyone who would like to
attend. Please contact Fey
Clark on: 07807 727 913 if you
are interested.
CRUMLIN CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Crumlin have been working very hard to secure funding for a new toy library
and a “Looking after me” Training programme. The good news is that they
have secured funding from the Katherine Howard Foundation, Awards for All
and Enkalon Foundation. Celebrations began during NICMA week when the
Group organised a fun Teddy Bear’s Picnic in Crumlin’s local community
centre. Following this the children completed a number of finger painting
canvases to add to the ‘Big Picture’. The group are looking forward to
spending all of the money secured on a range of new toys and equipment.
Smyth’s Toy Shop have agreed to set up an open evening at the Ballymena
store for all childminders in the area. If you would like to attend please contact
Fey Clark on: 07807 727 913 (Date to be confirmed over coming weeks.)
OAKFIELD DROP IN CENTRE – CARRICKFERGUS
We would like to extend a warm
welcome to all newly registered
childminders in the Carrickfergus
area to attend the Oakfield Dropin
Centre. The group runs
throughout the year every
morning and is a great
opportunity for childminders and
their children to socialise with
each other. Why don’t you join
this centre and make the most of
the excellent play resources.
During NICMA week many of the children who attend the Drop-in Centre
helped to create a number of canvases to add to the “Big Picture” it was great
fun! If you would like further information on the Drop-in Centre please contact
Fey Clark on: 07807 727 913.
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BANBRIDGE CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Banbridge Childminding Support Group held a ‘Teddy Bears Toddle’ which
took place on Monday 18th May 2009 at the Civic Buildings, Banbridge. The
Children & Childminders completed a toddle around the buildings. They were
met by the Chair of Banbridge Council who organised and hosted a reception
on behalf of the Council which included refreshments for the chidminders &
their children.
BANGOR CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUP
Bangor Childminding Support group has had a busy end to the year. Events
have included a sponsored walk, a meal and a Rhyme Time Session during
NICMA Week which was held in Bangor Library.
The Group has also participated in Committee Management Training and
How to Market your Childminding Service in the Local Community. Both
courses were funded by North Down Borough Council and were facilitated by
Rosemary Black from NICMA’s Training Department. A few comments from
learners’ evaluation forms:-
“Serious training delivered in an enjoyable way”; “Very helpful, gives clear
guidelines on how to be a successful committee”; “Constitution of Group – I
have never read it before, many points learnt from reading this including Role
of Committee Members”; “Highlighted Committee procedures which I was
unaware of”.
Bangor Group has also recently elected a new Committee, which will take
over the reins after the summer break. Many thanks go to the outgoing
Committee for all their hard work over the last year. The Group are ending
the year with a meal and table quiz.
7

BALLYNAHINCH CRAFT BOOK
Following the outstanding success of "The Childminders Cookbook",
Ballynahinch Childminding Support Group intends to put together a craft book.
The funds raised from this venture will be donated to NICMA. If you have any
craft ideas you could share to be used for this book, please send them to:-
Fiona Clendinning, ECP Childminding Development Officer
NICMA - the Childminding Association
16-18 Mill Street, NEWTOWNARDS BT23 4LU
Alternatively, contact Fiona on:-
Email: fiona.nicma@hotmail.com
Tel: 07837734825
NICMA WEEK 2009
THANK YOU to all who took part in the various events which were held
around the province to celebrate NICMA Week this year. This provided an
excellent opportunity to promote registered childminding and NICMA services.
Pictures are currently being collated and will be displayed on the NICMA
website under the ‘News’ section.
We also plan to put together a display of NICMA Week photographs for the
AGM / Conference in October. If you have any photographs of events or
activities which were held in your area and would like these to be included in
the display, please forward them to Jenny Adair or Lyn Bradley in the NICMA
office before the end of June. We look forward to hearing from you.
‘COOKBOOK COMPETITION’
In March 2009 we offered four lucky readers the chance to win a copy of ‘The
Baby & Toddler Healthy Eating Planner’. To enter applicants had to answer
the following question:-
Name two recipes featured in the book?
Winners were as follows:-
‣ Susan Hodgins,
‣ Claire Grogan,
‣ Jennifer Curry,
‣ Anne Campbell,
Bangor
Omagh
Clabby
Kilkeel
Congratulations to you all.
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“CHILDMINDING TOUCHES LIVES”
Come and join us!
You are invited to join us at NICMA’s 25 th ANNIVERSARY AGM /
Conference. This will be your opportunity to celebrate 25 years of NICMA
supporting the childcare sector.
An Evening Reception & AGM will be held on Friday 16 October 2009 in
Antrim Civic Centre from 7.15pm – 9.30pm.
The Conference will take place on Saturday 17 October 2009 in the Comfort
Hotel, Antrim from 10.00am – 4.00pm. Numbers are limited and places will
be allocated on a first come, first served basis so early booking is strongly
recommended! N.B.- This year we are offering a 10% discount to group
bookings of 6 places or more. (These must be booked in one block).
Please consider taking advantage of this discount and encourage as many of
your Group members as possible to attend. If several members from a
Support Group attend, it may be beneficial to split up and take part in all four
of the workshops, as a variety of topics are being covered this year. This way
handouts and information on the full range of workshops can be taken back
and shared with all members of the Group.
A Conference Booking Form is enclosed with this mailing. Booking Forms will
be mailed out to all NICMA members in August.
Why not consider staying overnight in the Comfort Hotel? (Twin room
approximately £70.00) or The Holiday Inn, a short walk away, (Triple room
approximately £60.00). This would enable you to combine your attendance at
the AGM & Conference with a shopping trip to Junction One!
As in previous years, contributions for the ballot which will be drawn on the
day, will be very welcome. Please contact either Lyn Bradley or Valerie
Earney if your Group would like to donate a prize. These can be brought to
the NICMA office, given to your Childminding Development Officer or brought
along on the day
If your Group would like to take a stand, free of charge, at the Conference to
both display your group activities and to encourage others to join please
contact Valerie in the office to arrange.
9

BEN NEVIS CHALLENGE –
STAFF ACHIEVE ‘GREAT HEIGHTS’ TO CELEBRATE
NICMA’S 25 TH ANNIVERSARY
Well done to four energetic staff
members from NICMA – the
Childminding
Association who have managed
to scale the ‘dizzy heights’ of Ben
Nevis in support of NICMA’s 25 th
Anniversary.
The Challenge is a way of
celebrating the achievements of
NICMA in supporting quality
Childminding in the last 25 years
and to highlight how
CHILDMINDING TOUCHES LIVES. We are delighted that the 4 staff raised a
total of £2,000 for NICMA.
The girls would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped in
anyway with fundraising.
The climbers include Jenny Adair, Assistant Director, Clare Hagan,
Childminding Development Officer - Western area /Network Co-ordinator,
Strabane SureStart, Joanna Legg Surestart Network Coordinator, Shantallow
& Little Hands SureStart, Derry and Maria Moss, Childminding Development
Officer – Western Area/Daycare Co-ordinator, Clogher Valley SureStart.
WELL DONE TO THE GIRLS!
10

NICMA’s ON-LINE CHILDMINDING VACANCY SERVICE
If you have a vacancy, or are likely to in the near future, make sure you use
the Childminding Vacancy Service on NICMA’s Web Site – it doesn’t matter if
you don’t use a computer yourself – we do all the work for you in keeping your
personal information up-to-date. All we ask is that you keep us up to date with
your vacancy situation. It may help to bring you business as well as
promoting childminding in general.
NICMA LINKING WITH LOCAL COMPANIES
NICMA works hard to support and highlight the role childminders play in the
community and the valuable service they provide to families. As a charity we
are increasingly relying on support from different sectors to continue our work.
We are currently trying to establish links with local companies and believe a
relationship with NICMA could be financially beneficial to both the business
and NICMA. If you have contacts within a local company and you think that
the company may be interested in building a partnership with us, please make
contact with NICMA Fundraiser, Madeline Donnelly at 08712002063.
MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDMINDING
SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERS
As you know, this year NICMA introduced membership discounts for those
childminders who belonged to a Support group. This was to thank those
groups who have loyally supported NICMA over the years. In order for us to
continue with this scheme, it is essential that ALL Group members are also
NICMA members. Can all group Chairs please check on a regular basis,
either through the office or through their Childminding Development Officer,
that all group members are NICMA members?
FUNDRAISING WITHIN CHILDMINDING SUPPORT GROUPS
NICMA Fundraiser and Childminding Support Groups are making great
strides in assessing their needs and putting together applications to enable
them to secure funding.
Crumlin Support Group have been successful with applications to Awards for
All, Enkalon Foundation and Katherine Howard Foundation. Bangor Support
Group were delighted to receive a grant from North Down Council for
Committee Training. Foyle Support Group have received £500.00 to help buy
in Jo-jingles.
11

Most of these application forms are reasonably straightforward and if your
Group has a project that they really want to do and deem it beneficial to the
Childminding Support Group, the children they look after and to the local
community, Madeline, the NICMA fundraiser, will be delighted to work with
you. Contact her at 0871 2002063.
ARTS AND CRAFT IDEAS
NICMA are always looking for ideas to update the arts and crafts section on
our website. If you can help, please email your ideas to Catherine Trimble
catherine.trimble@nicma.org or post information FAO Catherine to NICMA at
the usual address. We would really appreciate your support!
NICMA 25 TH ANNIVERSARY PUBLICATION
Enclosed with the Childminding Support Group newssheet you will find a copy
of our 25 th Anniversary Publication which depicts both Childminding and
NICMA achievements over the last 25 years.
The NICMA Senior Management Team welcome your general feedback and
would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to
the development of this publication.
All NICMA members will receive a copy of this publication as part of the
general mailing in August.
PLAY CAFÉ DISCOUNT SCHEME
The Play Café, Newtownards in partnership with NICMA are offering another
great discount for NICMA members.
NICMA members can get 50% discount (under 5’s only) on admission to the
Play Cafe Toddlers Club, Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.00pm.
This is a three month pilot scheme. The offer is valid from June 2009 - August
2009 initially. If there is a good uptake on the offer we may be able to
negotiate an extension.
To avail of this discount childminders should present their blue NICMA
membership card. Childminders should ensure that children are appropriately
supervised at all times.
12

‘THE BIG PICTURE’ FINGER PAINTING CHALLENGE
We recently launched ‘THE BIG PICTURE’ Finger Painting challenge at
Parliament Buildings, Stormont which gave local politicians the opportunity to
hear about how CHILDMINDING HAS TOUCHED LIVES... as well as
participate in creating their own Finger Painting!
We have been delighted at the enthusiastic response to the Finger Painting
challenge from childminders right across Northern Ireland and really look
forward to the culmination of everybody’s work at the Zoo day on 20 August.
If group members [or individuals] are interested in attending you need to
REGISTER for the event beforehand. Please refer to the enclosed
invitation to be completed by the childminders and returned to NICMA by 1
August 2009. Remember if you don’t register, you may not be able to
access the 30% discount on entry fee. We look forward to welcoming you on
the day.
A very sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who has already returned a
completed canvas to the NICMA office. If you still have one to return, we
would be grateful if this could be sent in before 30 July 2009.
13

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED CARING FOR
CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS?
NICMA have been approached recently by a few Childminders seeking
information and advice on how to access funding in order for them to extend
their skills through training to care for children with additional needs. A few
childminders have also enquired about accessing funding to purchase
specialist equipment to provide a more inclusive childminding service for
families.
Unfortunately our fundraiser has indicated that a number of funding bodies do
not provide monies directly to individuals.
NICMA would like to hear from any other childminders who have a desire to
care for children with additional needs. If we had enough evidence to identify
the level of interest from childminders and or parents we could possibly justify
submitting an application for funding on your behalf should such an
opportunity arrive. Please be as specific as you can regarding your
requirements including; the number of requests you have received from
parents for special needs childcare places, details on the child’s needs,
changes to setting to accommodate the child, training requirements, the area
in which you work, the lack of other local services within your area, and ask
where possible would parents be prepared to support your case.
If you already provide an inclusive service for children with additional needs
we would like to hear from you. NICMA are always looking for opportunities to
showcase good practice models and professional practice within childminding
settings.
Contact: jenny.adair@nicma.org or madeline.donnelly@nicma.org if you have
a genuine interest in developing your skills or childcare service to
accommodate children with additional needs or you wish to share individual
case studies. We will consider at senior management level in NICMA how we
move forward based on the level of interest and number of responses
received.
NICMA ANNUAL REPORT 2008 – 2009
As we are coming to the end of another Childminding Support Group
‘Season’, information will soon be required on your Group’s activities over the
past year for inclusion in NICMA’s Annual Report. Details of your Annual
Accounts will also be requested.
Lyn will post out the relevant information in the next few weeks. Please aim to
return the end of year reports by the date which will be clearly indicated on the
forms.
14

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RURAL CHILDMINDERS
If you are a Childminder living in a rural area of Northern Ireland,
funding may be available through the Rural Development Progamme to
develop childcare services.
The Rural Development Programme (RDP) is an initiative managed by the
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and part financed
by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EARDF). The
Rural Life Element of the Rural Development Programme is being delivered
by seven Council Clusters.
A number of childminders have already submitted applications, mostly for
capital costs e.g. extending an area of their house to accommodate more
children or restructuring part of their premises to make it more appropriate for
children.
The Programmes
3.1 Diversification into non-agricultural activities (will accept applications from
individuals)
3.2 Business Creation and Development (will accept applications from
individuals)
3.3 Encouragement of Tourism Activities (will accept applications from
individuals)
The different council clusters have different opening and closing dates and
criteria under the different programmes. It is probable that Childminders can
only apply under 3.1 and 3.2. See below for details in your area and keep
checking their websites for further updates.
NORTH EAST
Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne or Moyle Council area.
Contact: Tel: 028 2563 3932
Address: North East Cluster, Rural Development Programme, Ecos Centre,
Kernohan’s Lane, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, BT43 7QA
3.1 Farm Diversification and 3.2 Business Creation and Development are
open from May 1st. They will remain open until the 19th June.
NORTH WEST
Omagh, Strabane, Derry, or Limavady Council area.
Contact: Claudine Mc Guigan Tel: 028 8224 5321 Email:
claudine.mcguigan@omagh.gov.uk
Address: North West Cluster, c/o Omagh District Council, The Grange,
Mountjoy
Road,
Omagh, Co Tyrone, BT79 7BL
Look out for launch of programmes mid June.
15

SWARD
Magherafelt, Cookstown, Fermanagh, or Dungannon and South Tyrone
Council area Contact: Mr Charlie Monaghan Tel: 028 8676 4714 Email:
sward@cookstown.gov.uk
Web: www.sward.org.uk
Address: South West Action for Rural Development (SWARD), Gortalowry
House, 94 Church Street, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, BT80 8HX
Measure 3.1 and 3.2 reopen January 2010 The website is very
informative, worth checking out.
SOAR
Armagh City and District Council, Craigavon Borough Council or Newry and
Mourne District Council area, please contact: Maria Magennis,
Tel: 028 3831 2588
Email: maria.magennis@craigavon.gov.uk Web: www.soarni.org
Address: Southern Organisation for Action in Rural areas (SOAR), c/o
Craigavon Borough Council, The Civic Centre, Craigavon, BT64 1AL
SOAR will be open for full applications for all measures from Monday
3rd August to 4.00pm on Monday 14th September 2009. An expression
of interest form which is available now has to be submitted before a full
application can be considered. Website very informative.
DOWN RURAL AREA PARTNERSHIP
Ards, Down, North Down, Banbridge Council area, please contact: Leanne
McCready or Pamela Dempster Tel: 028 9182 4065 Email:
leanne.mccready@ards-council.gov.uk website:
www.downruralareapartnership.com
Address: Down Rural Area Partnership, Development Department, c/o Ards
Borough Council, 2 Church Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AP
Down Rural Area Partnership website has got expression of interest
forms – Measures 3.1; 3.2 and 3.3 will be launched on 24 th June and will
be open for full applications from that date.
GROW SOUTH ANTRIM
Antrim, Carrickfergus, or Newtownabbey Council area.
Contact: Emma Stubbs or Sara Campbell Tel: 028 9448 1311
Email: info@growsouthantrim.com/ sara.campbell@antrim.gov.uk
Web: www.growsouthantrim.com
Address: Generating Rural Opportunities Within (GROW) South Antrim, c/o
Antrim Borough Council, Antrim Civic Centre, 50 Stiles Way, Antrim BT41
2UB
Applications for first two Measures 3.1 and 3.2 are now closed – details
of reopening will be on website and publicised in area.
LAGAN RURAL PARTNERSHIP
Belfast, Castlereagh or Lisburn Council area,
Contact: Tel: 028 9250 9489 Email: padraic.murphy@lisburn.gov.uk
Address:Lagan Rural Partnership LAG, c/o Economic Development Unit,
Lisburn City Council, Island Civic Centre,The Island, LisburnCo. Antrim, BT27
4RL
Applications for first two Measures 3.1 and 3.2 have reopened on 18 th
May and will remain open until 31 st July.
16

NICMA CHILDMINDING ADVISORY COUNCIL
NICMA are actively seeking childminding members to sit on the
‘CHILDMINDING ADVISORY COUNCIL’ in the following areas: Belfast;
Ballymena area; Bangor and North Down; Dungannon and surrounding areas;
Newry and surrounding areas. This is your opportunity to contribute to the
work of your professional organisation and to help in developing quality
childminding.
We meet four times per year, on Saturdays, at 11.00am, rotating locations:
5 September 2009 –
14 November 2009 –
February 2010 –
Trinity Methodist Church, Lisburn
Mountfern Resource Centre, Coleraine
Omagh (Venue to be confirmed)
Your Travel Expenses are paid and lunch is provided.
.................................................................................
I would be interested in putting my name forward for the Childminding
Advisory Council. I am available for meetings four times a year to be held on a
Saturday in different locations of Northern Ireland.
Name:________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________
Postcode: _____________________ Tele. No.: _____________________
NICMA Membership No: _____________
Email Address: __________
Please return to:- Jenny Adair, Assistant Director
NICMA – the Childminding Association
16 – 18 Mill Street
NEWTOWNARDS
BT23 4LU
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