|
Childminding Regulations
Notified Childminders A Childminder caring for 4 or more preschool children is required under the Childcare (Preschool Services) Regulations 2006 to notify the Health Services Executive. A single-handed Childminder should look after no more than 5 preschool children (including her own) and no more than 2 children should be less than 15 months. A Childminder should have a telephone on the premises, or a second person available, to cope with emergencies.
Childminders who fit into the following categories are exempt from Part VII of the Childcare act (i.e., do not have to notify the Health Board): (a) the care of one or more pre-school children undertaken by a relative of the child or children or the spouse of such relative, (b) a person taking care of one or more pre-school children of the same family and no other such children (other than that person’s own children) in that person’s home, (c) a person taking care of not more than 3 pre-school children of different families (other than that person’s own children) in that person’s home.
Core Requirements for Childminders (from “National Guidelines for Childminders”) ( i ) Suitability of the Person A Childminder must be over 18 and be genuinely interested in caring for children and be of suitable character for this ( ii ) Wellbeing of the Child The Childminder must be commitment to providing quality childcare in which the wellbeing and development of the child are central ( iii ) Physical Environment The Childminder’s home should provide a secure and happy environment in which the health, safety and welfare of the child is assured and in which the developmental needs of the child are met ( iv ) Health & Safety The Childminder must provide evidence that adequate health and safety procedures are in place
Voluntary Notification Childminders who are not required to notify the HSE (i.e., those caring for 3 children or less) should voluntarily notify their County Childcare Committee. Notification allows Childminders to show families that they are offering a formal professional service, that they take their work seriously and that they will strive to provide the best quality service. It also opens up access to a range of supports including information, networking and training from the County Childcare Committee.
The Childminder should contact the County Childcare Committee requesting a Voluntary Notification Form. This form contains a Childminder’s Self-Evaluation which must be completed and returned. The Childminder Advisory Officer (CMAO) of the County Childcare Committee will contact the Childminder to arrange in advance a date and time to visit in order to review the Self-Evaluation and to ensure that all criteria are met. The CMAO will support and guide the Childminder through the notification process. When everything is in order, the CMAO will sign off on the Voluntary Notification Form and the Childminder will be sent confirmation that he/she has voluntarily notified.
|
