Illegal childcarers compromising children's safety says charity

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: just over one third (35%) of respondents said they knew of at least one unregistered childminder operating in their area 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," says Maria Moss, NICMA's Western 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 is launching a major publicity drive (today – Wednesday, August 18 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. The charity is also distributing postcards aimed at unregistered or prospective childminders, explaining the benefits of registering. Maria Moss thinks the current recession is tempting ever more parents to use unregistered childminders, but she says it's a false economy.

"From what we're hearing, it would seem many unregistered childminders take more children than they would be allowed if they were registered," she explains. "That means they can charge a lower fee but, by looking after so many children, they're compromising the children's safety, and they're unable to provide the individual attention which registered childminders can give."

Ms Moss also points out that many parents stand to gain financially if they use a registered childminder. "Many parents using a registered childminder are eligible for generous help with the cost of childcare through tax credits – that's an advantage which those using unregistered childcarers aren't entitled to," she says.

NICMA would like social services teams to take a more proactive approach towards unregistered childminders, but the charity would prefer that childcarers operating outside the law were given the chance to register first.

"We would urge unregistered childminders to apply for registration," says Ms Moss. "It's generally a fairly straightforward process and we're always happy to support anyone who's having any difficulty with registering.

"The great advantage of becoming registered is that you are operating as a professional and can take a pride in what you do."

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