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02/02/2005
Government launch childminding paper
The Government has officially launched a new paper aimed at recommending a way forward for Northern Ireland’s childminding sector.
The Northern Ireland Childminding Association’s (NICMA) position paper, ‘A Way Forward for the Childminding Sector’, will be used to help the Department, Health Boards and Trusts to plan and develop childminding policies.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, said: “Childminders offer a valuable service and a wide range of benefits to children, families, the community and the economy and because they care for a small number of children, the childminder has the capacity to meet the individual needs of the children.
“Without the high quality, registered childminders in Northern Ireland, the opportunity for women to return or stay in the workplace would be greatly reduced.”
Turning to NICMA’s position paper, the Minister said it would provide the Department, and others, with important information that will assist when formulating policy.
“This paper gives us a lot to consider in the coming months,” Ms Smith said. “NICMA has been proactive in informing government of what they see as essential to allow the childminding sector to expand and build on its existing success.”
Sinn Fein representative Angela Nelson, who attended today’s event said: “There are huge opportunities for people who want to become professional registered childminders and it is clear that unless we increase numbers that we will not develop the services that will provide families with the support they need.”
Formed in 1984 as a registered charity by a group of childminders NICMA has 4,384 registered childminders; 2,500 of these are members of association.
(MB/SP)
The Northern Ireland Childminding Association’s (NICMA) position paper, ‘A Way Forward for the Childminding Sector’, will be used to help the Department, Health Boards and Trusts to plan and develop childminding policies.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, said: “Childminders offer a valuable service and a wide range of benefits to children, families, the community and the economy and because they care for a small number of children, the childminder has the capacity to meet the individual needs of the children.
“Without the high quality, registered childminders in Northern Ireland, the opportunity for women to return or stay in the workplace would be greatly reduced.”
Turning to NICMA’s position paper, the Minister said it would provide the Department, and others, with important information that will assist when formulating policy.
“This paper gives us a lot to consider in the coming months,” Ms Smith said. “NICMA has been proactive in informing government of what they see as essential to allow the childminding sector to expand and build on its existing success.”
Sinn Fein representative Angela Nelson, who attended today’s event said: “There are huge opportunities for people who want to become professional registered childminders and it is clear that unless we increase numbers that we will not develop the services that will provide families with the support they need.”
Formed in 1984 as a registered charity by a group of childminders NICMA has 4,384 registered childminders; 2,500 of these are members of association.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:This evening will be dry. Then the rest of the night will be mainly dry and mostly cloudy, although rain may reach the north coast later. Windy. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
