Hi it really depends on what you mean by network.
You can belong to a network, and have to do nothing extra.
Or you can be part of a accredited network, which involves you being at least a NVQ 3.
As a accredited Childminder in Dorset, you have to do a written curriculum, for over 3's, (which also has to show how you would include other ages).
You have to follow the National Curriculum.
You will be visited once every half term ,by the education board.
You will have 3 day Ofsted inspection !!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is alot of extra hard work and paperwork.
But dont let it put you off.
You dont lose your mindees to pre school, you can draw down the Government nursery fund for over 3's.
Its is great actually having a structure to plan your days to.
It is actually easier to plan in trips (i.e the farm, autumn visit, harvest time) to a set curriculum purpose.
I love doing it
And my mindees that have gone on to the local school? The reception teacher complemented me the other day on how good their pre school education had been.
all the written is for Dorset, have heard that other places dont have to have it written down!
If you would like to see a example of curriculum I did last year email me at [email protected].