National Guidelines for Childminders

In 2006 the Office of Minister for Children issued National Guidelines for Childminders.  These guidelines are intended to provide guidance for best practice and to assist and support the childminder.

There are two types of childminder- those who are required to notify the HSE and those who can voluntary notify their City/County Childcare Committee.

HSE Notified: This childminder can care for 5 children max and should apply to the Pre-school Services Officer, Community Care Building, Cork Rd.  051 842897

Voluntary Notification:  This refers to childminders who are minding 3 children or less and can apply to the Childminder Advisory Officer, Waterford City Childcare Committee, 4B Manor Village, Cork Rd., 051 860444

All childminders, whether notified to HSE or voluntary notified to the Childcare Committee can take advantage of the many supports available, such as;

• Assistance when setting up a childminding service, including support visits to the home from the Childminder Advisory Officer
• On-going support for established services
• On-going training
• Guidance in record keeping
• Grant funding for equipment and toys
• Mutual support through the local network of childminders

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The Code of Practice is given to all childminders and parents.  It is a useful document for childminders and parents to help them gain an understanding of what is expected from both parties.

Code of Practice for Voluntary Notified Childminders and Parents

• Childminders and Parents should have mutual respect and understanding of each others families needs and ensure that actions are fair and equitable for both parties. 
• Communication should be carried out in a respectful and professional manner 
• There should be good communication from both parties for unplanned emergencies and where possible plenty of notice given for change of plans 
• There should be at least 2 - 4 weeks notice given from either childminder or parent if the childminding arrangement is to end or as agreed in the ‘Working Agreement’ 
• There should be confidentiality of information from both childminder and parent 
• Operating hours are at the Childminders discretion, however they should endeavour to suit working parents and take into account the different hours that people work 
• Terms, conditions and fees are negotiable between the childminder and parent.  The childminder should be clear about terms and conditions from the start of the working arrangement. It is advisable to use the ‘Working Agreement’ ( contract) document so that no misunderstandings occur
•  There is an expectation that childminders participate in training and they are also encouraged to link in with their local network of childminders.
• It is recommended that after a month to 6 weeks a review of the childminding arrangement is carried out

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A Guide for Parents Choosing A Childminder

Suitability of the person

• Visit the childminders home and discuss your childcare needs and preferences.

• Ask the childminder how much experience they have and if they have participated in any training. 

• Ask for references and talk to other parents who had their child cared for by the childminder 

• Discuss the daily routines planned for the children

Well-being of the child

Discuss with the childminder the opportunities for play and activities that will be offered to promote and support the development of the child

Physical Environment

Discuss what areas of the house and garden the child can access for play and rest during the day

Health & Safety

• Enquire if there are suitable car seats and space for children in the car.  

• Enquire whether the childminder holds a current First Aid certificate 

• Good hygiene should be practiced  

• Fire safety procedures should be in place

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Note to Parents on Voluntary Notified and HSE Notified Childminders

There are two types of childminders- those who are required to notify their service to HSE and those who can voluntarily notify their service to their local Childcare Committee.  The main difference between the two depends on the number of children they mind. 

The Childcare ( Pre-school Services) Regulations 2006 state the following:

HSE Notified Childminders

• A childminder is defined as a person who single-handedly minds pre-school children in the childminders home for more than 2 hours per day
• A childminder minding 4 or more pre-school children is required to notify the HSE  and will be subject to annual inspection from the Pre-school Services Officer
• A childminder should look after no more than 5 pre-school children
• No more than 2 children should be under 15 months.  Exceptions can be made for multiple births or siblings.

Voluntary Notified Childminders

• Childminders who are not required to notify HSE, those minding 3 children or less are encouraged to voluntary notify their service to their local Childcare Committee.  By doing so these childminders undertake to follow the National Guidelines for Childminders.  Both childminders and parents can contact the Childminder Advisory Officer for a copy of the guidelines. 
• Both HSE notified and Voluntary notified childminders can avail of training, networking, information, support and funding provided through the National Childminding Initiative. 

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