1. family and parenting
2. children

“ARE YOU INTERESTED IN UNDERTAKING A NEW
QUALIFICATION FOR CHILDMINDERS?”
Level 2 Certificate in Childminding Practice
(Northern Ireland)
NICMA are delighted to announce the launch of the new Level 2 Certificate in
Childminding Practice (Northern Ireland). NICMA have worked with Ascentis Awarding
Organisation to develop this qualification that is specifically for Childminders in Northern
Ireland. There are currently 47 Childminders from different Trusts areas throughout
Northern Ireland undertaking the new qualification.
The Level 2 Certificate in Childminding Practice (Northern Ireland) is based on the
Childminding and Day Care for Children under 12 years - Minimum Standards
(DHSSPSNI, 2012) and forms part of NICMA’s Training Framework. It is suitable for ALL
Childminders regardless of whether or not they have any previous childcare qualifications.
For some it can form a pathway of progression to the Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care
Learning & Development and for others is will be an excellent opportunity to update their
knowledge and skills in quality childminding practice.
NICMA’s Training Manager, Susan Anderson, says:
“Well trained and competent childminders understand the pattern of children’s
development and learning and are able to offer a full range of play and learning
opportunities that will allow children to reach their full potential”. she explains.
“By completing the new Level 2 qualification childminders will acquire new
skills, enhancing their practice and building their confidence and self-esteem.
They become upskilled on all aspects of childminding practice and learn
how to introduce new activities and experiences for children.
The qualification is on the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) and has a credit
value of 16. It is delivered using a distance learning method. When undertaking the
qualification learners are assigned an assessor who will provide support throughout. This
support will be provided via email, telephone, text and 1-1 sessions. NICMA will provide
learners with information as to how the assessment criteria in each of five units will be met
using a variety of methods i.e. reflective accounts, diary evidence, witness testimonies,
assignments etc. They are required to build a portfolio of evidence and when each unit is
complete they will forward all evidence to their allocated assessor for marking. To assess
competence the assessor will also carry out a direct observation of the learner’s
childminding practice within their setting when the minded children are present.
One of the Childminders from the Southern Trust area taking part in the pilot can already see
the benefits of the training.
Ellie McKenna, a Registered Childminder from Armagh says: “I feel the course has
given me more confidence and my practice will seem more professional to
parents”.
The new Level 2 qualification not only benefits the children and their parents.
“Childminders can offer a higher quality service as they are up-to-date on
current childcare practice” says Susan
“They are investing in their business by gaining a recognised qualification
which may be their unique selling point and help parents make an informed
choice on the type of quality childcare they choose for their child.”
NICMA are hoping to run a self-funded project for registered Childminders who wish to
undertake the new qualification. The cost is £450 for NICMA members and £600 for nonmembers payable by instalments. Groups of 5 or more Childminders interested in
completing it together will receive a £50 discount off the cost.
Information sessions will be held in June 2015 which will give you further information on
what’s involved in undertaking the qualification and the course will commence in September
2015.
If you would like to express an interest in undertaking the qualification or for further
information please contact the NICMA Office: 02891 811015 or NICMA’s Training Manager
Susan Anderson at [email protected]