Menu
05/04/2006
Government reveal new child care scheme
The a new government scheme has been unveiled today to approve childcare that takes place within a child's own home.
The 'Home Childcarer Approval Scheme' will enable parents, for the first time, to employ, a home child carer who is suitably qualified to work with children and has had relevant background checks carried out by Health and Social Services Trusts.
The scheme will also entitle parents to apply for financial aid with the cost of employing an approved childcarer through Working Tax Credits and childcare vouchers.
Speaking earlier, at the launch of the scheme, Health Minister Shaun Woodward said: "Every parent wants to provide a safe and familiar environment for their children. For many working families, finding conventional childcare that meets their needs can be very difficult. This new scheme will provide flexibility for parents who, for example, work outside traditional working hours, or who have children with disabilities or larger families.
"The scheme will help these families to access safe, good quality childcare provision that is eligible for financial help through tax credits and childcare vouchers.
The Minister continued by saying that the background checks, which will be carried out on the prospective childminders will give parents a degree of reassurance and provide a good starting point when selecting home childcare for their children.
The Minister concluded by highlighting how the scheme will enhance the quality of childcare in the home and said that being a home childcarer is a highly rewarding career that offers professional recognition while providing children with safe, quality care and play and learning opportunities that will really help their development.
(EF/SP)
The 'Home Childcarer Approval Scheme' will enable parents, for the first time, to employ, a home child carer who is suitably qualified to work with children and has had relevant background checks carried out by Health and Social Services Trusts.
The scheme will also entitle parents to apply for financial aid with the cost of employing an approved childcarer through Working Tax Credits and childcare vouchers.
Speaking earlier, at the launch of the scheme, Health Minister Shaun Woodward said: "Every parent wants to provide a safe and familiar environment for their children. For many working families, finding conventional childcare that meets their needs can be very difficult. This new scheme will provide flexibility for parents who, for example, work outside traditional working hours, or who have children with disabilities or larger families.
"The scheme will help these families to access safe, good quality childcare provision that is eligible for financial help through tax credits and childcare vouchers.
The Minister continued by saying that the background checks, which will be carried out on the prospective childminders will give parents a degree of reassurance and provide a good starting point when selecting home childcare for their children.
The Minister concluded by highlighting how the scheme will enhance the quality of childcare in the home and said that being a home childcarer is a highly rewarding career that offers professional recognition while providing children with safe, quality care and play and learning opportunities that will really help their development.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 June 2024
Alliance MPs To Push For Improvements To Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
The Alliance Party has made a commitment that their MP's will push for improvements to the UK Government's tax-free childcare scheme.
Alliance MPs To Push For Improvements To Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
The Alliance Party has made a commitment that their MP's will push for improvements to the UK Government's tax-free childcare scheme.
24 November 2021
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
12 August 2024
Alliance Welcomes Opening Of NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The Alliance Party has welcomed the opening of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) to eligible parents and guardians.
Alliance Welcomes Opening Of NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The Alliance Party has welcomed the opening of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) to eligible parents and guardians.
01 March 2010
Grant Boosts Rural Child Care
More cash from the Government is set to creatre much-needed childcare vacancies in country areas of NI. The Childminding Association (NICMA) hopes to create 400 extra childcare places in rural communities, after a Department of Agriculture and Rural Development grant.
Grant Boosts Rural Child Care
More cash from the Government is set to creatre much-needed childcare vacancies in country areas of NI. The Childminding Association (NICMA) hopes to create 400 extra childcare places in rural communities, after a Department of Agriculture and Rural Development grant.
19 May 2008
Minding Kids Is No Childsplay
Many families seeking childcare in Northern Ireland are finding the search difficult, according to a major new survey on childcare commissioned by NICMA - the Childminding Association.
Minding Kids Is No Childsplay
Many families seeking childcare in Northern Ireland are finding the search difficult, according to a major new survey on childcare commissioned by NICMA - the Childminding Association.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
