New research puts childminding practice in the spotlight

NCB NI in conjunction with NICMA - the Northern Ireland Childminding Association, has conducted groundbreaking research on childminding practice, exploring issues around mixed age care settings and quality.

NCB NI in conjunction with NICMA - the Northern Ireland Childminding Association, has conducted groundbreaking research on childminding practice, exploring issues around mixed age care settings and quality. The research is funded by the Office of the First and deputy First Minister under the Delivering Social Change programme, and is the first research project to explore childminding practice in Northern Ireland.   You can access the full report here.

The research explored topics including:

  • The features of high quality care in a childminder’s setting
  • The benefits and challenges of children of different ages being cared for in the same room (vertical placements)
  • The role of a childminder in the care and education of children
  • Parents’ motivations for choosing childminding as opposed to other forms of child care
  • Childminders’ access to training and support

Headline findings from the research show:

  • The vast majority of children are very happy going to their childminders; they see it as a home from home and enjoy mixing with children of different ages.
  • A childminder plays a critical role in the care and education of the child.  The breadth of activities planned and facilities utilised demonstrate an intentional effort by childminders to develop children’s skills, abilities and capacities.
  • Childminding is a purposeful and permanent career choice; although there is no official requirement, more than half of childminders hold a specific childminding qualification.
  • Quality in a childminding setting can relate to many factors, for example positive relationships between childminder, child and parents; safe and stimulating physical environments (both inside and outside); and childminders’ adherence to policies and procedures. 
  • Parents and childminders both view the quality of care in a childminding setting to be superior to that of other settings, mainly due to the opportunity for secure attachment to one caregiver and the homely environment provided. 
  • The vast majority of parents and childminders highlighted the increased learning that occurs when children of different ages are cared for together.
  • Scheduling, location and costs of childcare training were seen by childminders as barriers to gaining childcare qualifications.

Commenting on the research, Teresa Geraghty, Senior Research & Development Officer, and Project Manager, National Children’s Bureau NI said:

“Most of the discussion on childcare in Northern Ireland to date has been about supply, demand and cost. This research is different in that it focuses on what actually happens when a child goes to a childminder’s house and the care that is provided there. It has important messages for policy makers, training organisations, childminders, and of course parents. 

Parents and childminders are very clear that childminding is not about babysitting; it is an essential combination of early education and care.   It is clear that childminding practice is an intentional and deliberate attempt to help develop children's abilities, skills and capacities. Just because it occurs in a private home does not mean that it is something that is casual or ad-hoc.”

Policy implications

This research has implications across many government departments, including DEL, DE and DHSSPS.  Childminding is the largest childcare sector in NI, therefore needs to be properly acknowledged in the long awaited childcare strategy. 

Celine McStravick, Director, National Children’s Bureau NI adds: 

Northern Ireland falls behind the rest of the UK in terms of a commitment to childcare policy.  It is critical that policy makers involved in the development and roll-out of a Childcare Strategy here in Northern Ireland take account of the lessons coming from other nations, as well as from the emerging body of research evidence, here and elsewhere.

Given that Childminders make up nearly 40% of childcare provision, it is disappointing that the Bright Start Key First Actions document from the NI Executive doesn’t reflect this critical role, and instead focuses on group based after school care.  The development of the childminding workforce must be adequately and appropriately resourced, and a focus placed on the key elements of what quality in childminding looks like and how this can be achieved.”

Welcoming the research, Bridget Nodder, NICMA’s Director explains: 

“NICMA are delighted to have worked with NCB NI on this research project. Childminding is the backbone of many families’ lives across Northern Ireland, and allows them to manage their work and family responsibilities whilst knowing that their children are receiving high quality childcare.  Because childminding takes place in a home environment, it is not necessarily seen as ‘educational’ and yet we know that for children to thrive and develop, they need secure, personal relationships with their carers who will encourage and allow them to grow and learn at their own pace.  The results of this research will help to highlight and support what we believe are the unique elements of childminding and its value within the wider childcare sector.”

 

For more information, please contact Claire Dorris, 028 90891730 or e-mail [email protected]

Last updated 9 years 9 months ago