A YORK childminder has become the second in the country to become an approved home childcarer.

Home childcare is a new initiative which allows carers to look after children in their own homes rather than the carer's home.

Paula Cawood, of Huntington, is one of two people in the country to qualify for the scheme.

She said: "I've been a registered childminder for over ten years and had to be interviewed by a representative from OFSTED before I could be approved as a home childcarer. I'm really looking forward to the new challenge."

The new homecarers will have to meet strict standards set out in a new code of conduct which will be monitored by OFSTED.

Carolyn Clarke, recruitment officer for early years and childcare at City of York Council, said: "We're really proud to have one of the first approved home childcarers in the country here in York."

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, April 30, 2003