CHILDMINDERS throughout Lancashire have received a boost -- thanks to the creation of a new support team for their profession.

The Childminding Development and Support Team, created by Lancashire Early Years Partnership when it became Children First, earlier this year, is helping the county's 1,800 childminders find extra financial support and help with their problems.

Gail How, chairman of the Lancashire County Childminding Association (LCCA), said: "Childminding is a very isolated job and is hard work.

"It used to be the case that new childminders would give up the work because they lacked the support they needed.

"This has changed now."

As well as running many workshops to help childminders -- including dealing with issues such as business, assertiveness and behavioural management -- one-to-one support is also offered.

£2,000 has also been given to the LCCA to keep childminders more informed.

Bidding grants have also been introduced for childminders in deprived areas who suffer a loss in income due to unfilled places.