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A request has been made urging for childminders to be permitted to look after more preschool children, as the existing guidelines are being challenged by those in the childminding industry. Theresa McCaughey, an experienced childminder from Cabragh, County Tyrone, has emphasized the need for adjustments to enable childminders to cater to a greater number of younger children, particularly those under four years and three months old, as she believes there is high demand for these spaces. McCaughey expressed that such spaces are crucial for sustaining a childminding business financially.
The current regulations state that a childminder can care for up to six children under the age of 12, with restrictions on the number of children under compulsory school age and those under one year old. McCaughey, who looks after eight children during the week, highlighted that vacancies for younger children are quickly filled, emphasizing the financial significance of these slots for childminders. The Department of Health (DoH) has been examining potential alterations to adult-to-child ratios in childminding, presenting several options for consideration earlier in 2025.
One proposal from the DoH suggests a maximum of two children under 18 months, along with a limit of three under compulsory school age and a total of eight children under 12. McCaughey voiced her opinion that this proposal does not go far enough, advocating for an alternative option that would allow for four children under compulsory school age and up to 10 children under 12. Views from parents vary on this matter, with some, like Joanne Marshall, believing childminders could manage an additional preschooler, while others, like Johanna Patterson, prefer the current number limit for ensuring quality care.
The consultation conducted by the DoH on adult-to-child ratios in childminding closed on 20 June, with a substantial number of responses received from various organizations and individuals. The department is now in the process of analyzing these responses and preparing a report for the health minister’s consideration. The next steps following the analysis of feedback will be determined by the health minister based on the information provided
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