New grading for NI childminders

Parents can be even more discerning about childminders

Parents in Northern Ireland will be able to use a grading system to help them choose a childminder from Friday.

The Quality First award covers all aspects of childminding, from promoting children's learning and development to providing good nutrition.

The new accreditation scheme is being introduced by the Northern Ireland Childminders's Association.

Its director Bridget Nodder said the scheme would help to reassure and inform parents.

"Because childminders provide such excellent value for money, people can sometimes assume that they must compromise on quality," she said.

"That's far from the truth - but we recognise that this mistaken perception does exist.

"Now parents will know that those childminders with Quality First accreditation meet the highest standards of care."

Skills development

Registered childminding is by far the most popular - and affordable - form of full-time daycare in Northern Ireland.

It accounts for 76% of full-time daycare places and 44% of all childcare places in Northern Ireland.

One childminder who has just received her Quality First accreditation is Sharon Shiel who looks after six children - all attending part-time - at her home in Whitehead, County Antrim.

She said the Quality First training programme had enabled her to develop her own childminding skills.

"While I've always tried to offer the best possible care for the children I look after, Quality First has certainly motivated me to continually reflect on what I provide."