Approved home childcarers scheme

What is an approved Home CHildcarer? - The facts

• An ‘Approved Home Childcarer’ is a form of approved childcare introduced by the Government to allow parents to have approved childcare in their own home and claim help towards the cost
• Status of Approved Home Childcarer: usually employee of families
• A relative of the family can not become an Approved Home Childcarer
• A currently registered Childminder will only go through the approval automatically if they have:
  1. First Aid Certificate
  2. Evidence of having attending a basic induction course or hold a relevant qualification
  3. The policy checks would only be done again if they had a change of circumstances, had a break in their position as a Childminder or their checks are three years old

What are the criteria for approval?

• Is 18 or over
• has obtained a suitable qualification, which will be specified in a list maintained by the Department of Health, or has attended a basic induction course of training in the care of children
• Has obtained a relevant paediatric first aid certificate; and
• Does not have a history which renders him/her unsuitable to work with or have unsupervised access to children

What can nicma offer approved home childcarers?

• The support of a professional childcare organisation with 30 years’ experience of developing and supporting home-based childcare
• A Membership Package similar to that available for registered Childminders
• Insurance protection
• Access to Information & Advice helpline
• Access to tailor made training
• Access to a central vacancy database to match the Approved Home Childcarer with families
• Vacancy details included in our ‘On-line’ vacancy service

nicma approved home childcarers membership package

• Pack of information to support Home Childcarers, including:
  • Membership certificate
  • Child’s Personal record form
  • Insurance schedule
  • Terms and conditions checklist
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Subsidised publications
• Training
  • Core Training in Health & Safety and Safeguarding Children
  • Support, advice and subsidies on training opportunities
  • Range of training courses to enhance childcare practice
• Approved Home Childcarer Insurance Cover
  • Public liability to the value of 5 million for the accidental injury/death of any child in their care
  • Legal Expenses cover of approximately £100,000 for defence of any criminal prosecution arising from normal Approved Home Childcarer’s duties and responsibilities
  • Free legal advice