Thousands of childminders face inspections and mandatory training, under proposals contained in a Government-commissioned report. In return, childminders would face inspections and be required to meet minimum standards such as childcare qualifications, insurance in addition to health and safety risk assessments. Minister for Children Katherine Zappone: children availing of childminding should have benefit of similar standards that exist in centre-based childcare. Among the minimum standards childminders should meet, according to the report, include first-aid training, written references, insurance and a certificate (level-five award) in childminding. This is because most value a “home from home setting” with known people, more than a system where childminders have qualifications, training and inspections.

Source: The Irish Times March 26, 2018 01:00 UTC