Are you a childminder?

Do you mind three or fewer pre-school children in your own home?

Would you like information on financial support, training and information?

Then you need to contact your local Childminder Advisory Service.

The Childminder Advisory Service provides a support system for Childminders who cater for three or less pre-school children in their own home. Childminders in this category are exempt from the Child Care (Pre-School Services Regulations) 2006 and heretofore had no statutory support or input. Childminders caring for three or fewer pre school Children can voluntarily notify their local Childminder Advisory Officer that they are providing a Childminding service in their own home.

Voluntary Notification
Childminder Advisory Officer’s role
National Guidelines for Childminders

Voluntary Notification

Voluntary Notification benefits Childminders by providing information, networking and training.

Childminder advisory officers work with Childminders to help enhance the quality of their services.
It also benefits Childminders who wish to:

• operate to high standards
• have their work valued and their contribution to the childcare sector recognised
• have their names included on a public list of Childminders which is made available to parents (optional)
• obtain guidance on the development of policies and standards in childcare
• participate in training, networking and other opportunities
• attend conferences, seminars and other events for Childminders organised by the CCCs
• avail of financial supports such as the Childminder Capital Grant Scheme and the €15,000 Childminder Tax Exemption
• remove the isolation often experienced by Childminders
• contact parents who are seeking family-based childcare places

Childminder Advisory Officer’s role

• free support system for Childminders
• promote voluntary notification of Childminders
• provide advisory visits to Childminders homes
• provide information and training for Childminders
• facilitate the establishment of local networks of such Childminders
• provide Childminder Vacancy list for parents

Visit your Local Health Office for local Childminder Advisory Officer contact details in your local area.

back to top

National Guidelines for Childminders

National Guidelines for Childminders were launched by the Minster for Children in December 2006, revised August 2008.The guidelines provide guidance for good practice, assist Childminders, provide detailed information on statutory notification and voluntary notification and detail useful contacts for Childminders.

Click here to download the National Guidelines for Childminders

Resources for Childminders are available to download below