PEOPLE wanting to take up a career in childminding are being encouraged to drop in at tomorrow's Every Child Matters Careers Fair to find out about a range of options.

Worcestershire County Council's Family Information Service (FIS) holds briefing sessions throughout the county to provide information to men and women who are interested in becoming childminders. The sessions provide details of what is involved including the training which is required and the necessary process of registration.

A grant may be available to those who become registered childminders to help pay for necessary equipment, training and other costs. Support is also available for new childminders during the time they take to become registered and during the first year of working.

Wendy Bevan, Worcestershire County Council's workforce support officer for childminding, said: "People find these briefing sessions very useful as they are given the opportunity to ask questions about childminding and the registration process without making any commitments.

"I am looking forward to the fair as this will give many people the opportunity to find out what is involved in a very informal atmosphere."

As well as providing advice and information on childminding, FIS also provides a job seekers' service. This is coupled with a facility for people to advertise vacancies, which allows a matching service to be provided.

A free 12-hour introductory programme called Choices, provides details of the careers available.

Rachael Oakley, recruitment officer, said: "We provide free and impartial information for anyone looking for a career working with children, young people and their families.

"We offer support throughout the recruitment process and we have had a number of success stories. We have had people register with us for our free Choices introductory programme, become a job seeker and we have then successfully matched them to a vacancy."

FIS provides information to support parents returning to work on childcare and rights of working parents.

It also offes guidance on the financial assistance available including childcare vouchers, free early education places for three and four year olds and working tax credits.

For more information about childminding or the job seekers' service call 01905 790560 or visit the Every Child Matters Careers Fair between 10am and 4pm tomorrow.

Anyone interested can also visit www.earlyyearsandchildcare.org.uk