Notification Process
Some childminders are legally obliged to notify to the HSE that they are providing a childminding service. Others can notify to South Dublin County Childcare Committee on a voluntary basis.
Definition of a Pre-School Child
A pre school child means ‘a child who is under 6 years of age and who is not attending a national school or a school providing education similar to a national school.’
Definition of a School Age Child
A child who is attending a school age service on a regular basis outside of normal school hours
Statutory Notification:
A person minding more than 3 pre school children from different families is obliged to notify to the HSE.
Under the Child Care (Pre School Services) (No.2) Regulations 2006:
- A Childminder should look after no more than 5 pre-school children, including his/her own pre-school children.
- No more than 2 children should be less than 15 months old. Exceptions in relation to numbers under 15 months can be made for multiple births or siblings.
- A Childminder should have a telephone and a second person must be available to cope with emergencies.
A child that has not attained the age of 6 years who is not attending a primary school or a school providing an educational programme similar to a primary school.
Voluntary Notification
Childminders who are not required to notify the Health Services Executive can voluntarily notify to South Dublin County Childcare Committee including:
- Those who care for school-age children
- Those who care for pre-school children of the same family and no other children from any other family (other than the minders own children).
- Those who care for relatives.
- Those who care for no more than 3 pre-school children of different families (other than the minders own children).
In order to achieve Voluntary Notification Childminders will be required to meet the following criterion:
- Obtain Garda Vetting - for information click here
- Provide 2 written references
- Complete a course in First Aid
- Complete a short course in Child Protection
- Hold appropriate insurance (check with your own insurer as some policies will include Childminding at no extra cost but make sure you are clear about what you are doing)
- Have clear fire safety procedures ( click here for a useful guide to Fire Safety For Your Home)
The National Guidelines for Childminders outline the Voluntary Notification procedure. Copies of these guidelines are available from South Dublin County Childcare Committee and can be downloaded from www.omc.gov.ie
To Voluntarily Notify, email Claire McEwen in South Dublin County Childcare Committee or phone Claire on 01 457 0122.
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