AQW 12899/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 04/06/2024
Answered On Date: 18/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail his plans to address the increasing number of unregistered childminders as part of the review of Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care.

Answer:

Through the review of Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care, my Department will assess whether the approach to registration and inspection of childminding is proportionate, not unnecessarily bureaucratic nor a barrier to registration.

In addition, my Department will continue to raise awareness of the risks of using unregistered childminding and draw attention to the tax and other benefits of using registered childminding. HSC Trusts will also take action when they receive any reports of unregistered childminding, using their powers under the Children (NI) Order 1995.

The developing Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy will also assist in tackling the issue of unregistered childminders, by promoting the value of registered childminding, as well as making childcare more affordable and accessible for parents who need it.