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Welcome to NICMA

NICMA, the Northern Ireland Childminding Association, works to support and develop registered home-based childcare.  A voluntary organisation with charitable status, NICMA provides a range of  services to support Childminders, parents and children.

 

 

 

What is Childminding?

Childminding provides care and learning for children aged between 0 – 14 years.  It is normally provided in the Childminder’s home.  Childminding supports the effective learning of children by providing opportunities for individual attention as well as the rich learning environment of the home and local community. Childminders operate their own self-employed businesses under contract with parents.

NICMA Briefing Paper - Childminder Start Up Package

To download as a word document click here

Press Releases


‘NICMA dismayed at start-up grant withdrawal’
April 2008

Bureaucratic delays ‘put children at risk’
March 2008

UTV Community Announcement - Promoting Childminding - To View Click Here

Latest News


Job Vacancy
May 2008

NICMA CHILDMINDING WEEK – 2008
May 2008

Research into Parental Demand for and Access to Childminding
January 2008

On Line Childminding Vacancy Service
November 2007

Exciting new Children’s learning & Development Project
October 2007

Training

NICMA work in close partnership with Health & Social Services Trusts who have the statutory responsibility for the registration and inspection of Childminders. The distinction between the roles and responsibilities of Health & Social Services Trusts and that of NICMA is very clear: under the Children [NI] Order 1995, the Trusts provide a regulatory and inspection function.  NICMA’s role is to complement, support and add value to the work of the Health & Social Services Trusts.
 

The purpose of NICMA is to promote the development of children by providing quality childcare and education in a registered home based setting.
 

NICMA’s vision for the future is one where all children are cared for, and provided with the opportunity to learn and develop in a safe, enjoyable home environment and where Childminders are recognised and valued as skilled, qualified professionals.
 

NICMA’s Strategic Aims are:
 

  • To promote the provision of high quality childcare and education within registered, home based settings
     
  • To provide training and quality initiatives in childcare and education
     
  • To encourage legal Childminding
     
  • To provide a Childminding Information & Advice service to Childminders, parents and those involved in early years
     
  • To provide a support network to registered Childminders.
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered Company No: NI25861 Charity No: X0549
NICMA - the Childminding Association
16/18 Mill Street,Newtownards
Co. Down,BT23 4LU
Tel: 0871 200 2063
Fax: 028 9182 0921
Use of NICMA Logo