Call for Childminders to Care for More Preschoolers

Childminders Seek Increased Capacity to Meet Demand

Childminders across the region have expressed a growing need to increase the number of children they can care for, as the Department of Health (DoH) continues to explore changes to adult-child ratios in childminding. The current guidelines allow a childminder to look after up to six children under the age of 12, with only three of them being of compulsory school age and just one under the age of one year.

Theresa McCaughey, a registered childminder from Cabragh in County Tyrone, has voiced her support for a more flexible approach. She highlighted that spaces for children under four years and three months are in high demand and often filled within minutes of becoming available. These younger children, she argues, generate the most income and are essential for sustaining a childminder’s business.

The DoH has been conducting a consultation on potential changes to these ratios and released eight different options for consideration earlier this year. Among these, the preferred option proposed by the department is to allow a maximum of two children under 18 months, no more than three children under compulsory school age, and a total of eight children under 12. However, Theresa believes this still falls short of what is needed.

She supports an alternative proposal that would allow for four children under compulsory school age and up to 10 children under the age of 12. This, she says, would better meet the needs of parents and provide a more sustainable model for childminders.

Perspectives from Parents and Caregivers

Joanne Marshall, a new mother returning to her job as a teacher in County Monaghan, believes that childminders are well-equipped to manage an additional child under compulsory school age. “I teach four-year-olds and have 20 children,” she said, emphasizing that the capacity exists.

Johanna Patterson, who sends her daughter Martha to a childminder three days a week, has a different view. She prefers the current limit of three children, stating that it ensures each child receives adequate attention. “Three is a nice number because you know they are being looked after well,” she said.

Catherine Burns, a mother to two-year-old Leo and eight-month-old Maggie, believes the decision should depend on the individual childminder. “I imagine that childminders who are in that position and are wanting to increase their numbers have the capacity themselves and know what they can undertake,” she added.

Consultation Process and Next Steps

The DoH’s consultation on adult-to-child ratios closed on 20 June, with 495 responses received from a wide range of organizations and individuals. The department is currently analyzing these submissions and preparing a report for the health minister. Once the report is ready, the minister will consider the next steps.

Many childminders, like Theresa, stress the importance of maintaining financial viability. “I can’t operate at a loss,” she said, highlighting the challenges faced by those in the sector.

In addition to this consultation, there are ongoing discussions about extending the childcare subsidy scheme to include primary school children. This development could further impact the landscape of childminding and the demands placed on caregivers.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing the needs of parents, the capacity of childminders, and the safety and well-being of children. The outcome of the DoH’s analysis will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and practices in the childminding sector.