What is a childminder?
A Childminder cares for a small group of children of mixed ages in the childminder’s own home. Children are welcomed as individuals, they are offered affection and respect and their developmental and recreational needs are met. Childminders offer a flexible service, tailored to each child, thereby helping parents and guardians to balance their work and family commitments. A Childminder negotiates and agrees her/his terms with parents. The child’s welfare must be the prime consideration of the Childminder. Childminders have sole responsibility for the health, safety and wellbeing of each child entrusted to their care.
Are you thinking of becoming a childminder? If so please see resources below
A Guide to becoming a Childminder
Information for Childminders on the National Action Plan for Childminding
Guidelines on Planning a Childminding Business in your own home
Childminding Sample Policies and Procedures
Childminding Sample Record Keeping Forms
Information for Parents on the National Childminding Action Plan
Training for Childminders
Please find links below to contacts and resources for training.
- Quality and Regulatory Framework eLearning Programme: https://www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/early-years-quality-and-regulatory-framework/quality-and-regulatory-framework-elearning-programme/
- Children First Training: https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/children-first-e-learning-programme/
- Training Courses from Childminding Ireland https://www.childminding.ie/cmi-training-courses/
- Child in Mind Training Programme https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/child-mind-training-programme-now-live/
Grants and funding available
The 2021 Childminding Development Grant (CMDG) is now open for applications and will close on 16th July 2021.
To download a copy of the Application form and guidelines please click here: CMDG Application Form and Guidelines 2021
Please contact Laois CCC 057 86 61029 to find out more about the Childminding Development Grant (CMDG) and Learner Fund bursary annual grant
Latest news, information and upcoming events for Childminders
National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, T.D., launched the National Action Plan for Childminding on 15th April 2021. The National Action Plan aims to improve access to high quality and affordable early learning and care and school-age childcare through childminding, and sets out a phased approach to bringing childminders within the scope of State-funded supports and regulation over the period 2021-2028.
The National Action Plan for Childminding is a pathway to be developed over the next 8 years that sets out steps towards regulation, support and subsidies, for all paid, non-relative childminders. The Action Plan will involve change and significant benefits for childminders, children and the families using their services.
The aim of the Action Plan is to provide greater recognition for childminding and to support childminders in their work of providing high quality early learning and care and school age childcare, thus supporting child development and learning outcomes and helping families.
To download a copy of the Action plan please click here: National Action Plan for Childminding
View the Pathway for the Action plan here: Pathway of the Action Plan
For More information on the National Action Plan for Childminding please visit https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/df207-national-action-plan-for-childminding-2021-2028/
Laois County Childcare – Free Resource Pack for Childminders
Laois County Childcare Committee have a limited number of Free Resource Packs for Childminders in County Laois to promote positive play-based early learning.
In order to avail of this FREE resource pack, Childminders must meet the criteria stated below:
- Be currently providing a childminding service in Laois
- Have valid (in date) childminding insurance
- Have completed the Tusla Children First Training: https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/children-first-e-learning-programme/
- Have completed some CPD from First Five https://first5.gov.ie/practitioners/continuing-professional-development ORComplete the Quality and Regulatory Framework eLearning Programme: https://www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/early-years-quality-and-regulatory-framework/quality-and-regulatory-framework-elearning-programme/
Childminder Workshop – Tue, Aug 10, 6:30 pm – 6:30 pm via MS Teams
Laois County Childcare Committee are hosting a FREE childminder workshop on sensory play Tuesday 10th August at 6:30pm online via Microsoft Teams. All childminders and those who wish to become a childminder are welcome. This is a great opportunity to meet and network with other childminders in the area. If you would like to join us, please send you email address to m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie and we will send you the link to access the event or call Michelle on 057 86 61029 / 057 8681970 for more information.
First Aid for Childminders
Laois CCC are organising an online Paediric First Aid course (including defibrillation training) for childminders and those who wish to become a childminder. This course is interactive online, through Zoom and will take 4 hours. An additional one to one practical between the childminder and the tutor will be organised at a separate time to suit the individual childminders. This will involve a half hour practical demonstration of a skill ie. CPR and defibrillation use.
Email Michelle at m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie to register your interest or call call 057 86 61029 / 057 8681970 for more information.
