Childminding Ireland

13/10/2026

A simple autumn colour hunt! 🍂

Autumn walks can become lovely opportunities for children to notice the world around them.
Choose three or four colours and see what the children can find, perhaps a red leaf, a brown conker, a green plant or a yellow flower.
There is no need to collect anything. Children can simply point, talk about what they notice or take photographs to look at later.

What autumn colours are appearing near your childminding home?

07/10/2026

CHILDMINDERS’ TAX RELIEF UPDATE

Budget 2027 will increase the Childcare Services Relief threshold from €15,000 to €20,000.

While we welcome any increase in the threshold, we are disappointed that it has only increased by €5,000, particularly as the €15,000 limit has remained unchanged for almost 20 years.

Childminding Ireland has been calling for greater financial recognition and support for childminders and we will continue to keep this issue front and centre.

Our work continues. We are still waiting for further detail on our other childminding ASKS and will update childminders as soon as we know more.

Childminding Ireland is the National Childminding Body.
W: childminding.ie
E: [email protected]

07/10/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE: More time for childminders before mandatory registration

The Minister has indicated that childminders will be given more time before registration becomes mandatory, which was due to begin in September 2027.

Speaking yesterday, Minister Norma Foley said preliminary findings from the Review show that childminders want more time and that a further announcement will be made shortly to ensure they have “the time and space they need.”

This is an important step.

Childminding Ireland has consistently called for a pause to the September 2027 mandatory date, to allow time to listen to childminders, consider the findings of the Review and look at a better way forward.

We are very pleased that this call has been heard.

We will share further information as soon as it becomes available.

Childminding Ireland is the National Childminding Body.
W: childminding.ie
E: [email protected]

06/10/2026

Paediatric First Aid Training for Childminders
Be prepared to respond in an emergency. Our in-person Paediatric First Aid course gives childminders the practical skills and confidence to care for a sick or injured child until medical help arrives.

Location: Arklow
Date: Saturday 10 October 2026
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm

During this interactive one-day course you will learn essential skills including:

CPR for infants and children
Infant choking response
Head injuries, burns & scalds
Allergic reactions & poisoning
Recovery position, seizures & more

Participants will receive a Paediatric First Aid manual and a Certificate of

Attendance valid for 2 years.

€80 for members | €90 for non-members

Learn more: https://rebrand.ly/sooslmo

Childminding Ireland is the National Childminding Association.

03/10/2026

A Little Weekend Reminder for Childminders❤

Another busy week done.

As a childminder, so much of your day is spent looking after the needs of others, providing comfort, encouragement, activities, meals, routines and, of course, plenty of patience!
So, as the weekend arrives, this is your little reminder to make some time for you too.
Take a break. Get outside. Enjoy a cuppa while it’s still warm! Put your feet up, spend time with the people you love, or simply do something that makes you happy.
You don’t have to fill every minute of the weekend with plans or a never-ending to-do list.
Sometimes, rest is productive too.
To all the wonderful childminders, we hope you have a lovely weekend.
You have earned it.

02/10/2026

☔ Rainy Days Are Here!

As we head into the season of wetter days and more time spent indoors, it can sometimes feel like we need an endless supply of ideas to keep little ones busy!

With that in mind, we thought it was the perfect time to revisit this lovely blog written for us by Becky Lynch, drawing on her experience as a childminder.

Becky reminds us that activities don’t have to be complicated for children to learn, play and have fun.

From playdough and jigsaws to sensory play, arts and crafts, musical statues and imaginative play, the blog is full of simple ideas that can be adapted to suit the different ages and needs of children in your care.

One little reminder from Becky that we particularly love:
“All they want is for you to play with them.” 🥰

Sometimes the simplest activities, and simply taking the time to join in, can create the loveliest opportunities for learning, connection and fun.

With plenty of rainy days ahead, why not have a read and save a few ideas for the next one?

👉 Read the full blog here: https://bit.ly/3TzE2IT

It can be so hard to keep children entertained on rainy days! Sometimes we feel like we must be 10 steps ahead of ourselves. We also overcomplicate everything to do with activities, children can easily play with and enjoy the simplest of things.

01/10/2026

Hello October! 🍂
A new month brings new opportunities to learn, play, explore and grow together.

It is a great month for autumn adventures, discovering the changing colours, getting creative with nature, and enjoying plenty of fun and learning along the way.

Hope all childminders and children have a wonderful October filled with curiosity, friendship and happy little moments! 🪾

01/10/2026

Childminding Day 2026: Finding a Way Forward
Childminders: You have told us what the challenges are. Now let’s come together to explore what could work, what needs to change and how we can find a way forward for childminding.

Limerick | FREE event | Open to all childminders

The National Childminding Association
W: childminding.ie
E: [email protected]

28/09/2026

Mr Fox by Carol O’Malley
Carol’s artwork won 2nd place in the Childminder Art Category of the Childminding Ireland Art Competition 2025.

Fun Fact: In Irish, the word for fox is “sionnach” (pronounced shun-uck)
To see more winning entries, click the link in our bio / https://rebrand.ly/fr8a85d

Childminding Ireland is the National Childminding Association.
W: childminding.ie
E: [email protected]

26/09/2026

Sometimes a book can help open up a whole new world for a child.

Childminder Mary always encouraged a love of books in her home. For one little boy in her care who had yet to speak, books became part of the gentle encouragement and support she gave him every day.

Then, one day while out walking in the park, he spotted something familiar and said his very first word: “Digger!”
A small word. A huge milestone. And a lovely reminder of the difference childminders can make through everyday moments like reading together, talking, exploring and giving children the time and encouragement they need to thrive.

As we celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day this weekend, it’s a great reminder of the important role books and reading can play in children’s learning and development. Why not pick up a new story to share with the children you mind? https://www.facebook.com/LibrariesIreland

Read more about Mary’s approach to childminding here: rebrand.ly/90iss65
Books really can help build the foundations for a lifetime of learning.

Childminding Ireland is the National Childminding Association.
W: childminding.ie