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Title: NORTHERN IRELAND CHILDREN BEING FAILED BY LACK OF CHILDMINDERS
Date: 10th February 2005
News Details:
A major report issued today by NICMA the Childminding Association has highlighted that children in Northern Ireland are being failed due to a lack of government support within the childminding sector. Research has also demonstrated that demand for Childminding far outstrips current supply.
The report entitled: ‘A Way Forward for the Childminding Sector’ has been launched by Angela Smith, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety and has support from the five main political parties in Northern Ireland .
Welcoming the launch by the Minister, NICMA’s Director, Bridget Nodder said: “Without long term government funding to sustain and develop Childminding, we are failing our children.
“Whilst NICMA is grateful for all the sources of funding received to support its activities, much of this funding is short term which leads to projects ending and experienced staff being lost.
“I welcome the Minster launching our report and call upon government to work alongside NICMA to establish long-term goals supported by long-term commitment to funding. If we are to meet the childcare needs of children and families in the future we need to be serious about supporting and investing in the sector.”
The Position Paper has been developed in response to demand for quality Childminding services throughout Northern Ireland and makes 10 recommendations to ensure its development and sustainability. One of the recommendations calls for the establishment of a Childminding Implementation Task Force to include stakeholders within the Early Years Sector.
The paper also proposes to:
• Raise the profile and recognise the status of Childminding
• Invest in and sustain the Childminding sector
• Increase the number of Registered Childminders
• Provide support for Childminders
• Commit to the need for Training and Quality Assurance for Childminders
Chair of NICMA and a registered Childminder for many years Margaret Fletcher said: “Registered Childminders play a vital role in providing professional childcare and early education in a home setting and can offer more flexibility than centre based care. Over 22,000 children are currently looked after by Childminders in Northern Ireland and without that service many families would struggle to cope.
“NICMA has worked hard to promote the professionalism of Childminders, emphasising their role as educators as well as carers. The support that NICMA provides through advice, training, support groups and staff can be vital to Childminders continuing in their chosen career.”
Contact Name: Valerie Earney
Contact Number: 028 9181 1015
Email: valerie.earney@nicma.org
Read Report
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