AN “outstanding” school in Bolton has become the first in the country to register to launch its own childminding agency.

Jack Hatch, headteacher at St Bede’s Academy in Morris Green, personally dropped off the application at Ofsted’s Manchester offices.

A total of 20 organisations, mostly local councils, will trial the new Government scheme to support childminders with training and advice to provide parents with easy access to quality childcare.

St Bede’s is only one of two schools taking part.

The new CMA — Childminding Agency — is seen as a natural development for the school which currently runs three nurseries and seven out-of-school clubs, with three new venues opening next month under St Bede’s Childcare.

Mr Hatch said: “This is about giving parents a range of options; some parents prefer the individual approach.

“This way, the parents get the best of both worlds as the childminders will have access to resources we have at schools.

“The childminders have to be good, which to us, means outstanding.”

He added: “The agency provides people wanting to become childminders with another route. Many are still not aware that this opportunity is open to them and still have to go via local authority.

“This provides a more tailored approach. I think when word spreads, more will want to climb on aboard.”

Mr Hatch said the agency would also be affordable for parents and “something they really value”.

Sam Gyimah, recently appointed Minister for Early Years and Childcare, said: “I want parents to have better access to affordable, high-quality childcare that best suits their family’s needs, with innovative solutions to achieve this.

“We know many parents like the personal and flexible home-based care that childminders offer.

“Childminder agencies will make parents’ life easier by providing a one-stop shop to make it easier for them to find the right childminder for their child. They will also support childminders who want to promote their services and develop professionally.

“The first agencies can now register with Ofsted and I’m delighted to see Jack Hatch on behalf of St Bede’s Childcare is the first in the country to do so.”

St Bede’s Academy was given an outstanding rating by Ofsted at its last inspection in February, 2013.

n Childminders interested in signing up to the agency should call 01942 661239. The service will run across Bolton and Wigan.