Childminding Information

Consultations on the Draft Childminding Regulations March 2024

March 2024: Childminder Focus Groups – an opportunity for Childminders to give your opinions on the Draft Regulations. The  schedule of Childminder Focus groups is:

Childminding Information Sessions September 2023

For the link to access the sessions or for further information please contact: amy@kerrycountychildcare.com.

Childminding Development Grant 2023

The Childminding Development Grant 2023 has now closed for applications.

If you would like further information on the status of your application, please contact our Childminding Development Officer, Amy on: 087 7885114 or E-mail: amy@kerrycountychildcare.com

What is a childminder?

A Childminder cares for a small group of children of mixed ages in the childminder’s own home.  Children are welcomed as individuals, they are offered affection and respect and their developmental and recreational needs are met. Childminders offer a flexible service, tailored to each child, thereby helping parents and guardians to balance their work and family commitments. A Childminder negotiates and agrees her/his terms with parents. The child’s welfare must be the prime consideration of the Childminder. Childminders have sole responsibility for the health, safety and wellbeing of each child entrusted to their care.

When Kerry County Childcare Committee was established in 2001 Childminding was highlighted as one of the Committee’s key priorities in the development of childcare for Kerry. Kerry County Childcare Committee’s role is to assist people interested in establishing or developing quality home-based childminding services by offering information, training and support.

Kerry County Childcare Committee supports childminders to:

  • avail of relevant up to date childminding information
  • develop appropriate policies and procedures
  • access funding supports such as the Childminding Development Grant and Learner Fund Bursary for childminders
  • participate in local network opportunities with other childminders
  • avail of local training opportunities
  • avail of the Childcare Services Relief with Revenue
  • register with Tusla (if applicable)
  • offer the National Childcare Scheme (if applicable)
  • connect with parents who are seeking childminding care
  • have their names included on a public list of childminders which is made available to parents

Why not give us a call on 066 7181582 or email amy@kerrycountychildcare.com for further information or support.  You can also contact us to access a copy of our Childminding Information Pack

New Resources for Childminders

A Childminding Information Pack has been developed by the Childminding Development Officer (CMDO) team, it contains the most up to date information relevant to the childminding sector.

The Childminding Information Pack is divided into 4 separate documents, see below:

  • A Guide to Becoming a Childminder – this resource is for circulation to potential or existing Childminders and introduces them to best practice guidelines in relation to childminding
  • Childminding Sample Policies & Procedures – this resource includes Sample Policy and Procedure templates for Childminders
  • Childminding Sample Record Keeping Forms – this resource includes Sample Record Keeping templates for Childminders
  • Childminding: Guidelines on Planning a Childminding Business in your own home – this resource provides financial management guidance for Childminders.

Please contact Amy Pryal on 066 7181582 / 087 7885114 / email: amy@kerrycountychildcare.com for these additional resources and further information.

Support for Parents

The childminder advisory officer’s role is also to support parents who are looking for a childminder. Childminding provides parents with the opportunity to have their children cared for in a home-based childcare setting.  For further guidance please see Choosing a Childminder – a Guide for Parents

Kerry County Childcare maintain a database of Tusla registered & voluntary notified childminders in Kerry, please contact amy@kerrycountychildcare.com for more information on childminders in your area.

Childminder Development Grants (CMDG) :

Every year the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth (DCEDIY) provide funding for Childminding Development Grants (CMDG).  The CMDG is a capital grant of up to €1,000 to assist existing or potential childminders to enhance safety in their service through the purchase of small capital items, equipment, toys, or for minor adaptation costs.   For more information please contact:  amy@kerrycountychildcare.com.