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What is a Childminder?
A Childminder cares for a small group of children of mixed ages in a “home from home” setting. 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.
Types of Childminders
Health Service Executive (HSE) Notified Childminder
Notified Childminders may care for more than three preschool children but no more than five preschool children on any one day. These Childminders must notify the Preschool Inspection team of their Childminding service unless the minded children come from the one family or the children are related to the childminder or their spouse. The Childminding service undergoes an inspection from the HSE. The Childminders name is then placed on a list of HSE Notified Childminders for parents.
Voluntary Notified Childminder
Voluntary Notified Childminders care for 3 or less preschool children in the Childminders own home. These Childminders are not legally obliged to notify the HSE of their Childminding service. A Childminder can request to Voluntary Notify to Cavan County Childcare Committee. This process involves the Childminder receiving an advisory visit from the Childminding Advisory Officer (CAO)and the Childminders filling out a self evaluation form. The Childminder must agree to adhere to the National Guidelines for Childminders. Their name is then placed (if they so wish) on a list of Voluntary Notified Childminders in Cavan.
Childminder
Childminders caring for less than 3 preschool children may decide not to take up the option to Voluntary Notify. These Childminders may / may not be attending training and networking events organised by the Cavan County Childcare Committee. As these Childminders have not received an advisory visit and signed up to the National Guidelines for Childminders, Cavan County Childcare Committee are unable to place their name on a list for parents.
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