Childminders to Shape the Future of Childminding
Childminders and parents who use childminding services are invited to contribute to shaping the future of childminding. Dr Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs established a Working Group on Reforms and Supports for the Childminding Sector (Working Group). In March, Minister Zappone launched the Working Group’s Report which proposes major reforms and supports for the childminding sector.
Childminding Ireland, the National Childminding Body are holding Childminding Consultation Workshops across Ireland during May and June with further workshops in the Autumn.
The proposals in the report will be discussed and the feedback gathered during these Workshops, will be submitted to the Department of Children & Youth Affairs. Bernadette Orbinski Burke, Chief Executive of Childminding Ireland commented, ‘these workshops are an important vehicle for childminders, and parents using their services, to influence the direction and timing of these reforms. Therefore, it is critical that childminders attend in order to have a say in the future of their sector.’
Childminders are self-employed childcare providers working in their own home often for several different families. The Report was commissioned in order to address the issues, challenges and failings of the current childminding system. Most childminders are working unsupported, without access to subsidies and outside a regulated system. There are an estimated 35,000 childminders in Ireland, however only 120 childminders are registered with Tusla.
The report contains proposals that include staffed local networks, access to training and a register for childminders.
Orbinski points out that, ‘it should be noted that no decisions have yet been made, so it is important to have an input.’
The following are the dates of the forthcoming workshops:
| Date | Month | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11th | Sept 2018 | Portlaoise | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 18th | Sept 2018 | Cavan | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 19th | Sept 2018 | Dundalk | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 25th | Sept 2018 | Naas | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 26th | Sept 2018 | Carlow | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 1st | Oct 2018 | Ennis | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 2nd | Oct 2018 | Limerick | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 3rd | Oct 2018 | Thurles | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 9th | Oct 2018 | Enniscorthy | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 15th | Oct 2018 | Kerry | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 16th | Oct 2018 | Cork | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
| 30th | Oct 2018 | Waterford | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |
Attendees should book a place with Childminding Ireland on 01 287 8466 or email