Charity highlights risks of using unregistered childminders
A LOCAL childcare charity has issued a stark warning to parents in the Newtownabbey area who use unregistered childminders.
NICMA - the Childminding Association - says the use of unregistered childcarers in Northern Ireland is all too common and is putting children’s safety at risk.
It is illegal for any childminder who is paid for more than two hours’ childcare a day to operate without registering with their local health and social care trust. Yet, a survey carried out by NICMA of more than 200 newly-registered childminders found that:
n just over one third (35%) of respondents said they knew of at least one unregistered childminder operating in their area.
n nearly one in six (17%) said competition from unregistered childminders was having a negative impact on their business.
“We’re very concerned at these findings,” said Fey Clark, NICMA’s Northern Area Childminding Development Officer. “They suggest that there is widespread use of unregistered childminders.
“Our main concern is that the use of illegal childcarers - who have not been inspected, have not had a criminal records check, and have no insurance - is putting the safety of children at risk.
“But the survey findings also show that unregistered childminders are making it more difficult for some legitimate childminders to fill their places - it’s quite unfair that those who follow the rules and adhere to proper standards are being penalised at the expense of those who are flouting the law.”
To raise awareness among parents, the charity has launched a major publicity drive aimed at persuading parents of the benefits of using registered childminders.
Postcards containing information and advice on choosing a registered childminder will be available at libraries, doctors’ surgeries and other public venues throughout Northern Ireland.
More information on choosing a registered childminder and on becoming a registered childminder is available from NICMA on 0871 200 2063 or at: www.nicma.org
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Weather for Newtownabbey
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
