We are always happy to help you with all aspects of setting up or running a childminding business in your home. As the Childminding Development Officer, Emer Quigley can assist you on setting up a new childminding service or provide guidance to you if you are already running a childminding service from your own home. You may have many questions and it can be very useful to have a chat about childminding with her before you start.
As a childminder working on your own within your home it can be an isolating and difficult profession. Why not add your name to our mailing list to get regular updates of information, training, and networking events locally. This is a great way to stay in touch with new developments and share experiences as a childminder. All events are free and friendly!
Contact Emer : Tel: 051 295045 Mobile: 087 9322311 Email: info@cccw
Introduction to childminding: There are many things to consider when deciding to become a childminder. What training or experience do you have or need? What are the insurance options? How many children you can mind? How to apply for Garda Vetting? etc. There is plenty of information in this Guide to becoming a childminder to get you started.
https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/128614/c62e56d6-a51f-4b57-8efa-6f8e73c0b142.pdf#page=null
If you would like a hard copy just contact us and we will be happy to post it to you.
Childminding Support Pack: The Childminders Support Pack will support you as an existing or new childminder to deliver a high-quality service and meet the needs of children and families. Templates can be adapted to suit your own childminding service.
Sample policies and procedures templates:
https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/128615/c3453c6a-d848-4446-8c2e-f30f0b20ccaf.pdf#page=null
Sample record keeping templates:
https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/128616/f312c881-040d-484c-ac3a-50316edfa34f.pdf#page=null
Communication is key to establishing a good working relationship. This short presentation looks at the benefits of using a written contract with parents.
https://youtu.be/HPtj_JrLYys
The business side of childminding: Childminders run their own service from their homes and as such, are self-employed. This document will provide lots of information to assist you to run a sustainable business from your home.
https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/128617/b62a21bb-3555-43d6-9e79-532d465579a7.pdf#page=null
Childminder PRSI contributions:
Being self-employed brings the benefit of PRSI contributions which will entitle you to benefits such as maternity benefit, contributory state pension, treatment benefit scheme etc. To find out more information please follow this link to the Citizens Information service:
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/irish-social-welfare-system/social-insurance-prsi/class-S-prsi/
Childminders can avail of tax relief on income:
Childminders have access to a specific tax relief, currently €15,000 per year. This document will provide additional information on the childcare services relief.
https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/children/childcare-services/index.aspx
Childminding Development Grant: The annual Childminding Development Grant can provide funding to support childminders to purchase equipment and resources for their childminding service. The grant is available to new childminders setting up a new service and childminders who are already offering a childminding service in their home.
Funding programmes available to Tusla registered childminders:
Tusla registered childminders can avail of a learner fund bursary to meet mandatory minimum level qualifications i.e. Level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education on the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) (or equivalent).
https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/learner-fund/
National Childcare Scheme: Tusla registered childminders can avail of the National Childcare Scheme to support families with the cost of childcare.
https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/
Childminding is changing: The National Action Plan for Childminding sets out a phased approach towards regulation, supports, and subsidies, for all paid, non-relative childminders. The Action Plan will involve change with significant benefits for childminders, children and the families using your services. The plan was launched in April 2021 and is currently being developed to bring all childminders under the remit of childcare regulations specific for childminding services in the home. This will enable greater recognition for childminding and open the way for additional supports and access to government funded schemes for childminders.
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/df207-national-action-plan-for-childminding-2021-2028/
Childminding Ireland:
Childminding Ireland is the National Childminding Association and a National Voluntary Childcare Organisation. Childminding Ireland provides a range of information and supports to Childminders. For more information, please follow this link:
https://www.childminding.ie/
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