Health Trust changes insurance requirement for childminders

The Northern Trust had been the only trust in Northern Ireland which did not require registered childminders to have public liability insurance. However, in a recent letter to NICMA, the Trust’s Director of Children’s Services said that public liability insurance would become a requirement for all new and existing registered childminders with immediate effect.

Reacting to the news, NICMA’s Director, Bridget Nodder, said the charity is delighted.

“We have lobbied for some time on this issue and we are very pleased that the Northern Trust has listened sympathetically to our case, and has decided to make this change.

“When a childminder isn’t insured, families run the risk of being unable to obtain fair compensation in the event of an accident, and the childminder is putting his or her own family and business at risk.

“This move by the Northern Trust will ensure that all families using a registered childminder will soon have the reassurance of knowing that he or she is insured,” she commented.

The issue of insurance will be raised by the Trust with registered childminders at their individual annual inspections which will take place over the coming year.

Ms Nodder urged all registered childminders to act straightaway if they don’t yet have insurance.

“Childminders can obtain insurance by joining NICMA and taking advantage of the great membership package we offer, which includes insurance, an information and advice service, subsidised training and help with filling vacancies.

“We urge all childminders who don’t have insurance to join us now - to protect themselves and to take advantage of all the professional support we offer,” she added.

Childminders and parents can get advice and information on childminding by visiting the NICMA website at www.nicma.org or by telephoning 028 9181 1015.