One in 10 childminders aged over 55

ALMOST one in 10 childminders in Ireland are more than 55 years-of-age and most have a written contract with the parents of the children they mind, says new research.

The survey, carried out by Child minding Ireland on its members, found that 11% of carers are minding a child with special needs.

The survey of just under 1,000 members, representing the only snapshot available of the experience of childminders in Ireland, found that just one per cent of carers surveyed had no childcare qualifications.