How To Join NICMA

Click on the membership button, print the application form, and send it to NICMA at the address below with your cheque for membership fee plus a copy of your Registration Certificate. Details of services included in your membership are set out below.

Download Membership Form

Included In Your Membership

INFORMATION

• MEMBERSHIP PACK Every NICMA member receives a pack of information to help with the business side of childminding - contract forms, child record forms, pay guidelines etc. to enable childminders to run a professional service.
• TELEPHONE INFORMATION NICMA's Information Line is staffed Monday - Thursday (9.00am - 4.00pm), Friday (9.00am - 1.00pm) to answer childminding queries from members or parents.
• CHILDMINDING MATTERS NICMA's biannual magazine provides up-to-date information on childminding issues, training and new developments within the organisation
• PUBLICATIONS We offer a range of leaflets, publications and posters to help childminders run their businesses effectively.

SUPPORT

• CHILDMINDING GROUPS To provide childminders with a support network within their own community. Groups can offer training, toy equipment and book libraries, social events, outings for childminders and children, emergency sickness cover.
• CHILDMINDING VACANCY SERVICE Our computerised database holds up-to-date details of your vacancy situation. With this information we can bring you new business by putting parents in touch with you.
• NEW VACANCY SERVICE On Line Vacancies – to give Childminders the opportunity to advertise their places on NICMA’s web site
• AGM/CONFERENCE NICMA's Annual Conference provides members with the opportunity to network with childminders from around Northern Ireland
• DEVELOPMENT OFFICER NICMA has Development 0fficers available in most areas of Northern Ireland to provide you with individual support
• DROP IN CENTRES to provide group activities for children and adult interaction for Childminders
• CHILDMINDING NETWORKS attached to Surestart projects offer the opportunity to join a Network in your area (where available) and have your service quality assured and marketed to parents

INSURANCE COVER

• PUBLIC LIABILITY
  • Each childminded child is covered for £5 million for accidental injury/death
  • Damage to the property of third parties
  • NICMA Support Group Toy Libraries - insurance cover free of charge
• SOCIAL SERVICES DE-REGISTRATION INSURANCE Legal expenses up to a limit of £35,000 in respect of anything done or not done by you or members of your family resulting in the Social Services Trust removing or suspending your registration
• LEGAL EXPENSES Cover of approximately £25,000 for defence of any criminal prosecution arising from normal childminding duties and responsibilities.
• FREE LEGAL ADVICE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, NICMA members have access to a Legal Advice line offering free advice on any legal problems.
• DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE Provision of a 24 hour, 7 days a week, telephone helpline for NICMA members to access emergency assistance, e.g. plumbers, glaziers etc. - actual cost of repair, callouts etc. to be met by the individual.
• OPTIONAL EMPLOYERS LIABILITY INSURANCE If you are working with an assistant, it is a legal requirement to hold Employers Liability Insurance cover. Please contact office for details.
• TRAINING Access to a wide range of training opportunities for members, non-members and parents covering the care and education of children from 0-12 years.
• 'NCMA QUALITY FIRST' Individual accreditation scheme for practicing childminders.