Getting your Home Ready

You need to decide if your childminding service will use the whole house or not. Which areas will be off limits? Do a basic safety check on your home! See these Child Safety tips which will help.

You may need some or all of the following:

  • Stair gates – for stairs, and any other off limit areas.
  • Socket covers for any floor level sockets, cord covers for wires, and covers for sharp corners and edges.
  • Child proof locks – make sure poisonous products are safely out of reach.
  • Watch this series of YouTube videos on Child Safety from the Health Service Executive to help you think through all aspects of child safety.
  • Get fire safety equipment as needed. Smoke alarms and batteries, a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket for the kitchen.
  • Make sure you get any extra car seatscots, and mattresses, buggies or high chairs you need.
  • Have a range of toys, books and equipment, for different age groups consider when children are playing outdoors.
  • Check your garden for any hazards.
  • If you need help to cover the costs, the Childminding Development Grant may be available.