Dear Members,
The last newsletter of 2023. I am sure you are very busy with Christmas crafts and all the nice activities that come with the season of Christmas.
At the risk of repeating myself, (I know I do!), I am once again appealing to all our members to consider the future of our sector as the Department prepares a consultation process on the draft proposals for childminding. I am sure you are aware that in Budget 2024, it is planned to include registered childminders from autumn 2024 in the NCS scheme. To this end, they propose to remove the current barrier, eg. minding more than 3 children to allow childminders to deliver NCS to their minded families.
It is vital that childminders have a voice in this process. Childminding Ireland will keep you all informed as to when and how you can take part in the consultation. Childminders have to make their voices heard. It is too late complaining when the process is complete. I am sure you are all aware of the issues that have been raised by our sister small services, ECCE, and daycare. They are concerned about the viability of their businesses and the administration burden that delivering NCS places on their services. The issues that they have highlighted are relevant to our sector also.
It is time to have your say, and it is also important that you encourage your parent clients to participate in the process. Changes are coming, already the Heads and General Scheme of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2023 for changes to the Childcare Act 1991 is published on the DECIDY website “link here“. Take the time to read the section that begins on page 60 relating to childminders.
I wish you and your family happiness and health this Christmas.
Mary Walsh,
Chairperson.