Childminding
There are two types of childminders, Notified to the HSE and Voluntary Notified to the local City / County Childcare Committee. Childminders can care for mixed age groups including school age children.
Notified Childminders
Under the Childcare Act 1991 a childminder can care for no more that 5 children at any one time. A childminder caring for more than 3 children from different families is legally obliged to notify the HSE of their childminding service. The HSE provides an inspection service for all notified childminders. A full set of Childcare (Pre-School Services) Regulations No.2 are available at www.hse.ie
- Childminders should care for no more than 5 pre-school children at any one time
- Only 2 children should be under the age of 15 months
Voluntary Notified Childminders
Childminders have the option of Voluntary Notifying their service to their local City / County Childcare Committee.
Childminders caring for 3 or less pre-school children at any one time can Voluntary Notify their service to their local City or County Childcare Committee. The childminder will then have the opportunity to avail of training courses and workshops related to the care of children.
The childminder signs a self evaluation form with regard to 1) Suitability of the Person, 2) Well Being of the Child, 3) Physical Environment, 4) Health & Safety.
The childminder agrees to undertake First Aid, Child Protection and Quality Awareness training. She will receive a home advisory visit from the Childminding Advisory Officer. She must also have relevant insurance to run a childminding service from her home.
Childminders set their own fees. The fee will reflect the number of hours the child is being minded and whether food is included. There is no set fee as no childminding arrangement is the same and all have their own unique arrangement with the parent.
To view the Choosing a Childminder leaflet please click here
