Early Childhood Ireland, the leading organisation in the childcare sector, is calling for a clearer timeline for the full implementation of the National Action Plan for Childminding to ensure regulations and supports are extended to all paid childminders within the next five years.
Presenting to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration today (25.05.21), Early Childhood Ireland will highlight that the timeline for professionalising the sector, as set out in the Government’s National Action Plan, remains vague and subject to Exchequer funding.
Speaking in advance of the presentation, Teresa Heeney, CEO at Early Childhood Ireland said: “It is estimated that the Government needs to invest €23 million per annum to fully implement this plan. By no means is that beyond the reach of a wealthy country like Ireland. Indeed, this investment is essential to ensure children of all ages can benefit from quality experiences, regardless of what type of childcare option their parents have chosen.”
Ms. Heeney welcomed the launch of the National Action Plan for Childminding as a positive step forward.
“Childminders already play a vital role in the provision of both early-years and school-age childcare in Ireland,” she said. “This needs to be recognised, valued and supported. We believe regulating the informal childminding sector is in the very best interests both of childminders and of children. We also know that this has overwhelming public support. In 2019, our Annual Childcare Barometer found that 87% of Irish adults were in favour of Garda vetting and basic training requirements for childminders.
“Childminders are currently exempt from regulation under the Child Care Act of 1991 and, to date, fewer than 80 childminders are registered with Tusla. One consequence of this is that the vast majority of childminders cannot take part in the National Childcare Scheme, preventing thousands of families who use childminders from accessing subsidies.
Early Childhood Ireland is the leading organisation in the early years sector. It supports 3,800 childcare members, who – in turn – support over 100,000 children and their families through preschool, afterschool, and full day-care provision nationwide. Early Childhood Ireland provides a range of professional supports and services for its members, and campaigns for better childcare provision in Ireland.
“At Early Childhood Ireland, we understand the scale of the challenge to introduce regulations to an invisible, informal sector such as childminding.” Says Ms Heeney. “We have supported the childcare sector through a similar transition to a regulated, publicly-funded sector. We know how important it is to have appropriate supports and phased transition periods. It is also imperative that – under the new system – the registration process for childminders is smooth and clear, with well-signalled timelines to ensure everyone is ready and prepared for the transition.”
