Welcome to NICMA

The Northern Ireland Childminding Association

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For Childminders & Parents

COVID-19

 

COVID-19 FAQ's (When should i close my setting-Aug 2021)

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Version 12 of the Guidance For Childminders

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Updated Gudiance from the hscb- childminding ratios

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#theforgottenkeyworker- LETTER TO MINISTER PETER WEIR 

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NI Childminders ‘Discriminated’ by the Department Of Education.- PRESS RELEASE 

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NICMA and Unite- enhanced assistance proposal August 2020

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NICMA and Unite- Press Release August 2020 

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Trust Survey 

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Search for Registered Childminders

All listed childminders are registered, insured and have undergone all appropriate checks

Register as a
Childminder

All childminders must be registered by their local Health and Social Care Trust

The Importance
of play

Play is at the heart of children’s everyday lives and experiences – from birth to adulthood

Latest News & EVENTS

A Joint proposal for the continuation of Covid-19 funding for REGISTERED CHILDMINDERS

Posted: 22 Oct 2021

A Joint proposal for the continuation of Covid-19 funding for REGISTERED CHILDMINDERS

Childminding Matters - April 2020

Posted: 06 May 2020

Welcome to the second edition of 2020 of Nicma's 'Childminding Matters'

Childmind Matters - Feb 2020

Posted: 11 Mar 2020

Welcome to NICMA The Childminding Association's first edition of Childminding Matters, 2020. We hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year.

Recruitment

Posted: 12 Mar 2019

Development and Engagement Officer

NICMA State of the Sector Report

Posted: 08 Sep 2017

This is the first comprehensive assessment that has been carried out regarding childminding provision in Northern Ireland for some time.

Parents warned against the risks of using unregistered childminders

Posted: 01 Mar 2017

The use of ‘unregistered childcarers’ in Northern Ireland is all too common and is putting children’s safety at risk.

Tax Free Childcare - What you need to know?

Posted: 09 Nov 2017

The Government has introduced Tax-Free Childcare.

Free Online Training for NICMA Members!

Posted:

FREE online training modules to help develop childminders knowledge and skills in children and young people's mental health, well-being and development.

Taxi Exemption Certificates for Registered Childminders

Posted: 15 Jan 2018

NICMA have received notification that DVA will no longer be issuing these exemption certificates for Childminders.

Why Choose Childminding

Why Choose Childminding?

Childminding is unique, affordable and flexible to meet families’ individual needs offering:

One-to-one attention

Low adult/child ratios allow for a level of individual attention that is rarely matched in centre based care.

Real life learning

Children looked after by a Childminder enjoy real life experiences like cooking, shopping, gardening, mealtimes etc.

Family friendly

Brothers and sisters of different ages can be cared for together regardless of age, stage and ability.

Learn More

For Childminders

NICMA is the only organisation actively working on behalf of the childminding sector in Northern Ireland

Childminding Vacancy Service

NICMA hold up to date details of your vacancy situation. When parents search for available childminders in their area, you get found!

Childminding Groups

Groups can offer support, advice, training, events for childminders and children, all to support your childcare practice.

Training & Qualifications

A range of training courses and qualifications to assist you and enhance your childcare practice.

Become a Registered Childminder
Apply or renew your membership

NICMA is a regional charity & membership organisation

NICMA works to promote quality childcare within home-based settings throughout Northern Ireland.