Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Work on the development of the early years strategy is under way and the approach I am taking has received Government approval. I want an innovative and dynamic blueprint for the development of Ireland’s early years sector and a coherent approach to seeking to do the very best for children and young people. A broad range of issues is being examined by the early years group. I want to see very high standards in the early years sector, as I am sure the Deputy does, both in terms of care and the curriculum. The issue of quality provision is one with which the group is concerned.

One of the specific issues of policy I have identified for consideration in the preparation of the new strategy is the future role and regulation of the childminding sector, already an important component of early childhood care and education. Pre-school services are subject to the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No.2) Regulations 2006, as provided for under the Child Care Act 1991. Services providing care for children who have not yet commenced primary school are required to notify the pre-school inspectorate. The services covered include full-time, part-time and sessional services, as well as childminders who are taking care of more than three pre-school children from different families in the childminder’s home.

There are a number of ways of supporting childminders. The national guidelines for childminders, compiled by the national childcare co-ordinating committee, are very helpful for childminders who seek support. In 2011 over 1,200 services were notified voluntarily and work to encourage voluntary notification and the active involvement of childminders in training and information activities continues. The take-up represents only a very small proportion of the number of childminders in the country. Therefore, further work is to be done.

The child care regulations set the minimum standards with which services are legally required to comply. The issue of childminding will be examined by the early years group and I look forward to hearing its recommendations. Last year I restored the grant of €1,000 for childminders which had been cut in 2011. It is a question of quality provision by the childminder. The grant was helpful and to enable the childminder to invest in materials, for example, and enhance the activity of children in his or her care. It will be available in 2013 also.

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