child in arms

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.

To notify, please contact Ms. Caroline O'Connor Hughes, the Childminder Advisory Officer, Pre school Services t: 044 93 36074.

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. Contact Caroline for further details at 044 - 93 36 074.

Newsletter Summer 2009 Photos

Big Toddle May 2008 Mullingar

Networking events

Event in Mullingar

Coffee/fun mornings continue in Kids and Co Lough Sheever Ind Estate,Mullingar
When
2nd Thursday of the month 10am-12pm.

Event in Athlone

Krazy Kids Bliary Ind Estate,Athlone
When
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 11am-1pm

Out and about

Belevedere House and Gardens Childminder group scheme continues for all Childminders and children they care for. Contact Caroline for further details if you wish to avail of it.

Arts and crafts

Planned on a quarterly basis for childminders and children in Mullingar and Athlone

Big Toddle Athlone June 2008

Childminder Support Documents

Funded by the Irish Government
under the National Development Plan 2007-2013