Why Join NICMA?

NICMA is a membership organisation and professional body working to support and develop quality home-based childcare and learning for the benefit of children, families & communities

1. NICMA is the only organisation actively working on behalf of the childminding sector in Northern Ireland.
2. NICMA have 25 years experience of dealing with local childminding issues and is well respected within the early years sector.
3. NICMA staff have a strong local knowledge base with field staff working right across Northern Ireland.
4. NICMA offer a ‘value for money service’ for childminders - less than £2 per week for the full membership package which has been ‘tailored’ to meet the needs of self-employed childminders.
5. NICMA work hard to source funding for training packages and bursaries which are then offered to members free of charge.
6. NICMA childminders can access advice and support both through the office, the web site and through locally based staff on any aspect of their childminding business.

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. NB. MEMBERSHIP FEE IS FROZEN AT 08/09 PRICES FOR THIS YEAR ONLY.

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.