Support Structure
Sligo County Childminding Committee supports Childminders to:
- Avail of relevant up to date childminding information
- Develop appropriate Policies and Procedures
- Access funding supports such as The Childminding
- Development Grant and Learner Fund Bursary for Childminders
- Participate in local network opportunities with other Childminders
- Avail of local training opportunities
- Avail of the Childcare Services Relief with Revenue
Voluntary Notify (if applicable) - Register with Tusla (if applicable)
- Offer the National Childcare Scheme (if applicable)
Remove the isolation often experienced by Childminders - Connect with parents who are seeking childminding care
- Have their names included on a public list of Childminders which is made available to parents
Child Safeguarding
Children First relates to the recognition of child abuse and neglect, the reporting of same to Tusla – Child and Family Agency, and the best practice which organisations should adhere to keep children safe while availing of their services. Non statutory obligations for all persons coming into contact with children are set out in the Children First Guidance, and the Children First Act 2015 sets out additional statutory obligations for defined categories of persons and for organisations providing relevant services to children.
In January 2019 the Children First Guidance was amended by way of an addendum to ensure that online safety is specifically accounted for in child safeguarding statements.
Tusla E-Learning Programme
This programme should be completed by ALL staff members, students, volunteers and stakeholders in Early Learning and Care Settings. The programme is based on Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and the Children First Act 2015.
This programme will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete but it can also be done in a number of sittings.
Always Children First Training – Foundation Level
Always Children First training aims to create an awareness of Child Protection and Welfare issues in the Early Years sector. The aim of the training is to help Childminders understand how to safeguard children and report Child Protection and Welfare concerns. This training may be accessed through your local City/County Childcare Committee. A prerequisite of attending this training is that Childminders have completed the Tusla Children First E-Learning Programme.