Kathleen Funchion
Question:106. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Childminding Action Plan is on target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5324/22]
View answerWednesday, 2 February 2022
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Written answers
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, which I published in April 2021, sets out a phased, incremental approach to extending supports and regulation to all non-relative childminders. It aims to improve access to high quality and affordable early learning and care and school-age childcare through childminding.
During Phase 1 of the Plan, which began in 2021 and is expected to last 2-3 years, childminding-specific regulations will be developed that are proportionate and appropriate to childminders, as will childminder-specific training. In addition, primary legislation will be amended, and there will be further engagement and consultation with childminders.
The Steering Group met for the first time on 14 September 2021, and met again on 1 December. Its role is to drive, oversee and monitor implementation. The Steering Group will be supported by four Advisory Groups in relation to: Stakeholder Engagement, Consultation and Communications; Training and Support; Funding and Financial Supports, and Regulation and Inspection. The first two Advisory Groups have already commenced their work. The third and fourth Advisory Groups will be established in the coming months.
Extensive consultation with parents, childminders and representative bodies took place throughout the development of the Plan and continues in the implementation phase that has now begun. Representative bodies and childminders are members of the Steering and Advisory Groups. Ongoing consultation will be critical to effective implementation, and work is underway to develop a Stakeholder Engagement, Consultation and Communications strategy.
Phase 2 will be a transition phase lasting 3-5 years, which will see new regulations coming into force, access opened to the National Childcare Scheme, transitional training requirements, and expansion of supports.
Phase 3 will involve full implementation, with the end of transitional arrangements, and childminders regulated and able to access multiple supports.
To support implementation of the National Action Plan, a National Childminding Coordinator has been appointed, as well as a City/County Childcare Committee Lead for Childminding and six regional Childminding Development Officers within the City/County Childcare Committees. Six additional Childminding Development Officers will be appointed by City/County Childcare Committees shortly.