Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I mind?
A Childminder can care for up to 3 pre-school children before they are required to notify the HSE (Health Service Executive) Pre-School Officer.
Currently, there are no regulations for the care of school age children. Therefore, it is recommended for a Childminder to follow the best practice guidelines in promoting quality childcare. Childminder can mind up to 5 school age children.
Childminders caring for up to 3 preschool children and school age children are encouraged to Voluntary notify their local City/County Childcare Committee.
What is a pre-school child?
A pre-school child is a child who has not reached 6 years of age and who is not attending a primary school or any other school that provides similar service.
What happens if I choose to care for more than 3 pre-school children and forgo to notify the HSE Preschool Officer of my services?
In this case you are in breach of National Childminding Guidelines (rev. edition August 2008) and Pre-school Regulations (2006). Your childminding insurance may become invalid. Please note, that regulations are put in place to promote the best practice and assist you in providing services that encompass health, safety and well being of all children in your care.
What is Voluntary Notification?
The Voluntary Notification is a process during which a Childminder notifies his/her City/County Childcare Committee of the services and agrees to work within the framework of the National Guidelines for Childminders. The childminder in return receives an advice and support from a local Childminding Advisory Officer including up to date information on trainings, funding and networking opportunities.
How to notify?
Contact your local City/County Childcare Committee who will forward you the Childminders Support Pack and get you in touch with your local Childminding Advisory Officer.
What are the benefits of Voluntary Notification?
Voluntary notification allows you to have access to financial supports, such as Childminders Tax Exemption, deduction of a variety of business expenses as well as a buildup of your social insurance record. Also, you will have up to date information on avail trainings and workshops on a range of topics, access to a local childcare and local childminders network and support organizations. Voluntary notified Childminders can promote services within childcare sector among many other benefits.
How do I apply for Garda Vetting?
Garda vetting is provided by the following organizations: Barnardos Vetting Service, IPPA or NCNA. If you are not a member of NCNA or IPPA, contact Barnardos for the service.
Barnardos: T 021 4547060
IPPA: T 01 4630010
NCNA: T 014601138
vetting@barnardos.ie
What training do I need to have to be a successful childminder?
Childminders are advised to take the following trainings: QAP (Quality Awareness Program), First Aid, and Children First Child Protection training.
Any trainings and workshops can greatly improve your knowledge in child development, increase your confidence, and enhance quality services to children and their families in your care.
What policies and procedures should I have in place when starting my childminding service?
It is highly recommended that you would develop a Policy and Procedure manual with the following policies in place. Please note that this is a sample list of recommended policies:
- Partnership with Parents
- Positive Behavior Management
- Health and Safety Policies, including Safety Statement
- Child Protection
- Confidentiality
Do I need to have childminding insurance?
It is highly advisable that you obtain childminding insurance on your home and your car.
- Home insurance – many insurance agencies will amend your existing home owners’ policy and include the care of children in your home. If you currently have home insurance, it is advisable that you consult your insurance provider.
- Childminding Ireland offers a separate insurance scheme which covers up to 5 children including childminders own children up to 14 years of age. You must become a member of Childminding Ireland to avail of this policy.
- Car – if you are transporting children in your own car, it is highly advisable to have an adequate insurance coverage as well.
Must I pay income tax?
All income should be declared to the Revenue Commissioners. Childminders earning €15,000.00 or less a year are avail of Childminders Tax Exemption.
What records should I keep?
It is recommended that you develop a record system/file and keep the following records:
• Attendance record for children
• Child’s Information record
• Daily Schedule/Activities
• Weekly Menus
• Medicine Administration form
• Accident and Incident records
• Income
• Expenses
For more information on Polices and Procedures and/or record keeping contact your local Childminding Advisory officer or local City/County Childcare Committee. Also, you may download a leaflet “Organizational and Record Keeping Tips for Childminders” from our website.