Childminding Initiative

Childminders can now avail of advice, support, information and training from Longford County Childcare Committee. A Childminding Initiative is currently implemented by LCCC, also funding from the National Childcare Investment Programme are available to support childminders in Longford.

Childminding Advisory Officer

Our Childminding Advisory Officer works to support all Childminders in the county. Her role is :

  • To provide a free support system for childminders caring for 3 or fewer children.
  • To provide information and training to childminders.
  • To facilitate the establishment of local support networks of childminders.
  • To provide advisory visits to childminders in the home.

The Childminding Advisory Office, Caroline O’Connor Hughes, can be contacted in Longford County Childcare Committee Offices at (043) 3342505, mobile 087-0609804, or childminding@longfordchildcare.ie

Focus on Childminding

  • Quality childcare for parents is vital. 80% of children are cared for by Childminders in Ireland.
  • A childminder is one who cares for a mixed age group of children in their own home.
  • Children benefit from a stimulating home-based environment which recognises a child’s individual needs.
  • Childminding can be an isolating job with little or no backup support for the childminder.

Support

  • Childminding is a unique career.
  • Childminders will receive professional ongoing support from the Childminder Advisory Officer.
  • Each childminders will be supported as an individual.
  • Advisory visits to the childminders homes will be provided.
  • Childminders will receive updates on all childminding related issues.

On an Advisory Visit to the home the Childminder Advisory Officer will provide you with a copy of the National Guidelines for Childminders. Safety in the home, a quality stimulating environment is discussed with emphasis on insurance for the minded children.

Childminding Publications

The National Guidelines for Childminders were launched in December 2006. This booklet looks at

  • The Role of a Childminder
  • Suitability of the Person
  • Well Being of the Child
  • Physical Environment
  • Health and Safety
  • What is Notification
  • Training
  • Tax Relief

The Childminder Support Pack for Voluntary Notification was made available in September 2007. This provides support documentation for Childminders that avail of the Voluntary Notification System. These include First Aid Box Checklist, Fire Drill, Attendance Records, Working Agreement.

Childminders -The Universal Social Charge [USC] and PRSI – Budget 2010

The Universal Social Charge[USC] came into effect on the 1st January 2011 and applies to all individuals if their gross income exceeds the threshold of €4,004 per annum (€77 per week).   Once you exceed this limit then you pay on the full amount.

However, the USC does not apply to Childminders who are eligible to claim the Childminder’s Tax Relief of €15,000 per annum as they derive their income from a source that is classified as exempt income.
The rates of USC are: 2% on the first €10,036, 4% on the next €5,980 and 7% on the balance.

Self-employed individuals will make a payment of USC along with their preliminary tax payment, and any balance will be collected when the final assessment issues. USC is payable on gross income after relief for certain capital allowances, but before relief for pension contributions. Gross income is determined after deduction of legitimate expenses directly associated with the performance of the trade. This is in accordance with the normal principles of commercial accounting.

For more information on the Universal Social Charge (USC) please follow the link provided on the Revenue website. http://www.revenue.ie/en/press/budget/2011/index.html

PRSI

While the USC does not apply to those availing of the Childminder’s Tax Relief, PRSI applies as before. Please note that the general rate for the self-employed was increased from 3% to 4% in the Budget. Therefore a Childminder will have to pay a Social Insurance Contribution of 4% of all income, or €253, whichever is greater.  For further information in relation to PRSI please see www.welfare.ie.

For further information on how to voluntary notify as a Childminder and avail of the above exemption contact Caroline O’Connor Hughes, Childminder Advisory Officer at 044 93 36074 orCaroline.hughes@hse.ie .