A CHILDMINDER has embraced news that smacking children is to be banned within her profession.

Yvonne Bowler said the Government plans, which include smoking in front of youngsters, would ensure children were protected from abuse.

But she maintained 99 per cent of childminders, of which there are 628 in the county, would not dream of hitting or lighting up in front of a child in their care.

"You just can't do it," said the 57-year-old, of Wallcroft Close, St John's. "I smacked my own children 30 years ago, but times have changed and it's your voice which lets the children know they are being naughty.

"We've had parents who've said we can smack their children, but we wouldn't do it and generally, most people are just grateful their kids are being looked after in a loving, home environment."

Smacking and smoking have already been banned in day nurseries, playgroups, children's centres and creches.

But until now, childminders without education authority grants have been entitled to smack and smoke in front of children with the parents' permission since August 2000.

The National Childminding Association has spent 10 years campaigning against childcare workers who used physical punishment.

Childminding co-ordinator for Worcestershire's Early Years and Childcare Service Wendy Bevan said they were 100 per cent behind the ban, which looks set to be imposed in the autumn.

She said the feeling was reflected in an Ofsted report for the area, which showed 72 per cent of parents were against carers inflicting physical punishment on their children.

"We are very pleased with the outcome and feel it's a positive move which brings regular childminders in line with other child carers," she said.

"I've heard nothing from childminders who might disapprove of the ban and believe the majority agrees with this point of view."

The NSPCC were unavailable for comment at the time the Evening News went to press.