Leaflet to help foreign childminders

CHILDMINDING Ireland has produced a leaflet for the growing number of non-nationals who are seeking to enter the childcare profession.

The leaflet seeks to answer the many questions frequently asked by non-nationals who contacted the organisation's head office in Wicklow during the year.

It also specifically explores the chance for non-nationals with leave to remain and work in Ireland to become registered childminders who care for other people's children in their own home.

Childminding Ireland manager Bernie Griffiths said the organisation, believes the opportunity for self-employment advances both quality and equality within the childcare sector.

"It also facilitates integration and gives those non-nationals who choose childminding as a career the opportunity for economic and social participation, critical for an enhanced social experience for all within communities," she said.

In a bid to make the sector more attractive, a new provision was introduced in the Budget so that childminders caring for up to three children in their own home will not have to pay tax if they earn less than €10,000 per year.

Currently, the law allows childminders to mind up to six children under the age of six, including their own, in their home and an unspecified number of older children.

If there are four or more children under the age of six, the childminders are obliged to contact the local health authority and an officer will inspect their home to ensure it is suitable.

"At the end of the day the quality of the childcare has to be the overriding concern," said Ms Griffiths.

Childminding Ireland, a voluntary organisation for family home-based childcare, was founded in 1983 by a small group of childminders providing family daycare the largest sub-sector within childcare in Ireland.

Ms Griffiths said childminders benefit by being self-employed as they can use their own homes to provide a service, earn an income and still care for their own children.

And by making a social insurance payment, they can avail of certain State benefits, principally the contributory pension entitlement.

Those who register with Childminding Ireland will receive a member's pack that includes information on forming a contract with parents, fees and childcare regulations. The national organisation, which is funded by the Government, also offer a wide range of training courses.