Approved home childcarers scheme
From April 2006 a new form of approved childcare was introduced, which takes place in the parent’s home – the Approved Home Childcarer. Parents using Approved Home Childcarers will be able to receive support with the costs through the Tax Credit system or childcare vouchers. It is a voluntary approval scheme for Childcarers not already registered and inspected by Health and Social Care Trusts.
What is an approved Home Childcarer?
- The Facts
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An ‘Approved Home Childcarer’ is a form of approved childcare introduced by the Government to allow parents to have approved childcare in their own home and claim help towards the cost. Approved Home Childcarers are employed if working for one family, if working for more than one family they may be self employed.
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A relative of the family can not become an Approved Home Childcarer
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A currently registered Childminder will only go through the approval automatically if they have:
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First Aid Certificate
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Evidence of having attending a basic induction course or hold a relevant qualification
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The policy checks would only be done again if they had a change of circumstances, had a break in their position as a Childminder or their checks are three years old
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What are the criteria for approval?
That an Approved Home Childcarer:
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Be aged 18 or over
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Have a suitable qualification, which will be specified in a list maintained by the Department of Health, or attend a basic induction course of training in the care of children. NICMA can provide this induction training
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Has obtained a relevant paediatric first aid certificate; and
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Not have a history which renders him/her unsuitable to work with or have unsupervised access to children
What can NICMA offer approved home childcarers?
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The support of a professional childcare organisation with 30 years’ experience of developing and supporting home-based childcare
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A Membership Package similar to that available for registered Childminders
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Insurance protection
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Access to Information & Advice helpline
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Access to tailor made training
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Access to a central vacancy database to match the Approved Home Childcarer with families
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Vacancy details included in our ‘On-line’ vacancy service
NICMA approved home childcarers membership package
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Pack of information to support Home Childcarers, including:
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Membership certificate
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Child’s Personal record form
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Insurance schedule
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Terms and conditions checklist
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Frequently asked questions
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Subsidised publications
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Training
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Core Training in Health & Safety and Safeguarding Children
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Support, advice and subsidies on training opportunities
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Range of training courses to enhance childcare practice
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Approved Home Childcarer Insurance Cover
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Public liability to the value of 5 million for the accidental injury/death of any child in their care
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Legal Expenses cover of approximately £100,000 for defence of any criminal prosecution arising from normal Approved Home Childcarer’s duties and responsibilities
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Free legal advice
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If you meet the above criteria for approval you can find out more by referring to “Being an Approved Home Childcarer: a Guide for Home Childcarers” and downloading an application form: