Parental Support
Childminding Advice & Vacancy helpline
We offer a FREE information helpline to assist parents in choosing the most suitable Childminder and keeping that relationship going.
The helpline is available Mon – Thu 9.30am - 4.00pm and Fri 9.30am - 1.00pm and offers information on all aspects of childminding including registration, fees, contracts etc. It will also provide you with access to childminding vacancies to meet your specific needs and will give detail on the individual childminders e.g. Will they be able to collect my child from school? Do they provide an after school service? Do they have any pets?
This Childminding Vacancy search facility is also available on-line
Choosing a childminder
For many parents, selecting the right childcare for their child is one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make. The first step is to decide what type of childcare would best suit your child and your needs. Childminding suits parents who want a high quality, affordable and flexible childcare option, and who value a childcarer who can give their child individual attention in a ‘home from home’ setting.
If you opt for a childminder, do make sure he or she is registered with their local health and social care trust; unregistered childcarers don’t have insurance and haven’t been inspected. It is also against the law.
NICMA – the Childminding Association has a dedicated telephone helpline and website search facility. Our services will help you to find a registered childminder almost anywhere in Northern Ireland, and they’re staffed by friendly experts who know how overwhelming the search for childcare can be.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it really is worth taking a little time to visit a number of childminders and to do some research. You can be assured that any childminder who offers good quality care will quite understand why you want to ask questions and ensure that you make the right, considered choice.
To look after other people’s children in your own home, you MUST, by law be registered with the Health & Social Care Trust unless you are related to the child. Your first step is to contact your local Early Years Team and complete a Childminding Enquiry form. On receipt of this form, your name will then be forwarded to NICMA and you will be invited to attend a PRE-REGISTRATION BRIEFING SESSION, which will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice about childminding as a career.
If you wish to chat informally about the process of becoming registered before applying, contact your local Childminding Development Officer.
This session will provide you with information on the role of the registered childminder, the registration process and a brief introduction to what is involved in running your business. Following the session, if you still wish to proceed you will be given an application form and all necessary vetting forms to continue. You will then be required to attend Core Training in Safeguarding Children, Health & Safety and First Aid.
Registered Childminders are self-employed daycare providers who work in their own home to provide care and education for other peoples children within a family setting. They are inspected and registered by the Health & Social Care Trust on a regular basis. Registered Childminders may be registered to care for up to 6 children between the ages of 0 - 12 years of age (including their own children)
Only parents accessing registered childcare are entitled to help with childcare costs.
NICMA would recommend these tips to help make your final selection:
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Arrange a visit when at least some of the children the childminder looks after are there – do the children seem happy and at ease?
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Make sure the childminder has adequate insurance cover – ask to see his or her insurance certificates.
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Check what food is provided and whether any snacks are healthy.
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Find out about the daily routine followed by the childminder, the activities he/she provides, and any outings or trips.
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Ask about outdoor play - make sure there’s either an outside play area or a park nearby.
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Check plenty of books and toys are available.
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Make sure there’s somewhere quiet for the children to rest.
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Make sure you’re happy with the childminder’s approach on behaviour.
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Ask to see any parts of the home and garden which the children use.
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Decide if you feel comfortable with the childminder– is he/she someone you feel you could trust? Does he or she seem approachable – someone with whom you could raise any concerns?
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Once you’ve selected your childminder, ensure you sign a contract with him or her – it provides a vital safeguard for you both.
Choosing a Childminder – a guide for Parents
One step towards finding the best care for your child is by contacting NICMA - the Childminding Association which was set up to provide a wide range of services for Registered Childminders and parents.