Map & Directions
Childminding
Childminding is valued as another option for parents when choosing the type of childcare that suits the needs of their family. It is culturally appropriate and the traditional model for childcare in Ireland.
Childminding represents the largest type of childcare being used by families of preschool children in the country today. Whether you are a grandparent minding your grandchildren, and aunt/uncle caring for nieces and nephews or a person minding children for neighbours in your local community, we are here to offer help and support to you.
Childminding has always been supported as an integral part of children provision in Ireland. Since the implementation of the National Childminding Initiative, more time and resources have been allocated nationally and locally to continue supporting the childminding sector.
The National Guidelines for childminders were adopted by the National Childcare Co-ordinating Committee in 2006 to provide information and guidance for good practice to assist childminders. The guidelines include details on the National Voluntary Notification System, which provides many benefits for childminders who are outside the scope of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006.
They contain details on:
- nationally agreed guidelines for good childminding practice;
- detailed information on Statutory Notification to the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Voluntary Notification;
- services provided to childminders by the City/County Childcare Committees, the Childminder Advisory Officers and Childminding Ireland;
- contact details of relevant organisations, including addresses and telephone numbers.
To download a copy of the National Guidelines for Childminders, please click on the following link -
National_Guidelines_for_Childminders_Revised_August_2008
Childminding Advisory Service
All childminders, whether they are notified to the HSE or to the County Childcare Committee, can take advantage of the many supports available, such as:
- Assistance when setting up a childminding service, including supports visits to the home by the Childminding Advisory Officer (CMAO)
- Ongoing support for established services
- Guidance in record keeping
- Assistance to access equipment, toys and furnishings
- Assistance to access funding
- Mutual support through a local network for Childminders
Voluntary Notification
There are two Notification processes available to Childminders. Voluntary Notification to the South Tipperary County Childcare Committee is available for those minding 3 or less children. Notification to the local Health Service Executive is the requirement under the Childcare Regulations 2006 for those minding more than 3 children, but cannot care for more that 5 children. Voluntary Notification is a very simple procedure whereby the CMAO gives support throughout, the childminder will also receive an excellent resource, “A step by step guide to becoming a professional childminder”, which will provide you with the relevant information need to become Voluntary Notified. The purpose of Voluntary Notification is to give childminders who want to further develop and professionalise their service the opportunity to do so. Childminders who Voluntary Notify their County Childcare Committee, can also avail of the Childminders Tax Exemption.
If you wish to Voluntary Notify your service to South Tipperary County Childcare Committee, want more information on this matter or wish for the Childminding Advisory Officer to make a support visit to your home please contact us.
Childcare Services Relief (Childminders’ tax exemption)
Childminders taking care of 3 or fewer children under the age of 18 may be entitled to avail of the Childcare Services Relief from the Revenue Commissioners, provided their annual childminding income comes to no more than €15,000.
To apply for the Childcare Services Relief, childminders are obliged to make an annual tax return of their childminding income to the Revenue Commissioners and must also provide evidence that they have notified their local City or County Childcare Committee through the Childminder Advisory Officer that they are providing a childminding service.
