Genesis has the building blocks to help childminders start their own business  

Family support service Genesis has proven it’s got all the right building blocks to help people start a career in childcare.

Genesis, based within Carmarthenshire County Council, is a European Social Funded project which aims to improve life for families – in particular lone parent families – either because they are unemployed or on a low income.

Recently, the team has supported Natalie Jones, a mum from Llanelli, to set up as a childminder.

Genesis fully funded her Introduction to Childminding Practice course costs and Quality Start Pack as well as safety equipment, such as stair gates and door stops, to ensure her home would pass the CSSIW inspection process.

Natalie, or ‘Aunty Natty’, said she would never have had the opportunity to set up her own business if it wasn’t for the support she received from Genesis, the Children’s Partnership and the National Childminding Association.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but it would have been too much of a struggle to do it on my own,” said Natalie. “Genesis has supported me from the beginning – they have paid for my course costs, and assigned me a mentor to support me with training in subjects like first aid and food hygiene.

“I am so grateful, because I absolutely love my job – it is so satisfying to have a business of my own, which I can work around my own family and lifestyle. I can care for up to three children aged up to eight at a time, and also do school pick-ups.”

Estelle Etheridge-Lawrence, Genesis Co-ordinator, said: “We are so pleased that Natalie’s business is going well. She is one of many people we have helped set on the right track to setting up their own business.

“With regard child care businesses, Genesis and the Children’s Partnership can provide funding to engage the National Childminding Association in Carmarthenshire, which can help people get the necessary training and remove any barriers to employment.”

Genesis can provide support through many avenues such as advice and guidance, training, education, volunteering and childcare. The team can also help to build self-esteem and confidence, and can provide financial assistance to help people access training, employment, education or volunteering opportunities. For further information call

01554 744340.

For help with finding a registered childminder in Carmarthenshire, visit the Family Information Service website at

www.fis.carmarthenshire.gov.uk