Information and Networking for Childminders

Voluntary Notify

Childminders caring for three or less children can voluntarily notify the Health Service Executive Midland Area and receive advice, support, training and Childminder Development Grants.

National Guidelines

National Guidelines for Childminders were launched by the Minister for Children in December 2006. There are nationally agreed for good Childminding Practice. They are intended to provide guidance for good practice to assist Childminder and provide detailed information on statutory and voluntary notification and detailed useful contacts for Childminders.

Free copies of the National Guidelines are available from the Childminder Advisory Officer or as a PDF download.

Networking

A support network for childminders

Provides the platform for childminders voices to be heard.
Enables the childminders to form their own group in their local setting.
Can link into other childcare services, and with other professionals.
Enables other childminders to meet up with each other in a social setting
Offers 'Training and Recreational Courses' for childminders.
Can establish better childcare services for parents.

A Childminders network/get together is currently meeting monthly in Mullingar and Athlone.

National Childminding week 9th-15th April 2011

On National Childminders Day, Friday the 15th of April 2011, Childminders in County Westmeath celebrated with a Teddy’s bear’s picnic in Belvedere House and Gardens supported by Dulux paints. A big thank you to Dulux for ensuring a very enjoyable Teddy Bears Picnic for the childminders and children they care for.

Childminder Support Documents