Childminding Development Grant - Wicklow County Childcare Committee

Who is eligible to apply for the Childminding Development Grant?

Childminders, grandparents, relatives etc. who provide a childminding service in their own (childminder’s) home, or those planning to set up a new childminding service. The grant is not available to childminders caring for children in the parent’s home.

You should be minding or intend minding a minimum of 2 children. At least 1 child on a full time basis(f) and 1 child on a part time basis or at least 3 children on a part time basis(p).You can apply for the grant in preparation for minding new children but the grant cheque can only be paid when you have started your childminding business.
You should not have received a CMDG within the last 2 years (from date of last draw down)

Priority will be given to those applicants who:

Meet eligibility criteria but who have never received a grant previously.
Will increase the number of childcare places particularly in areas of high unmet childcare demand.
Care for the greatest number of children.
Operate a full-time service.
Regularly attend training or networking events

If you are successful, please ensure you:

Organise insurance cover for your childminding service.
Complete the Children First E-Learning programme annually.

How Much Money Can Be Applied For?

Childminders may apply for 90% of the cost of items that are approved for funding up to a maximum of €1,000. e.g. if items cost €1,111 you may receive a grant of €1,000; If items cost €555 you may receive a grant of €500. It is suggested that no more than 33% of the grant should be spent on consumable items e.g. paint, play sand, art & craft materials etc. The grant is paid to the childminder retrospectively for receipted items purchased i.e. when the application is approved.

Childminders may re-apply after 2 years, or after a shorter period if their first childminding development grant was for less than the maximum amount (this will be confirmed in the Childcare Committee Confirmation of Childminder Details section of the application form).

What Can I Spend The Grant On?

The grant can be used for the purchase of small capital items such as items to enhance safety/quality in the service; equipment; toys or minor adaptation costs to improve the quality of service provided. The final decision on eligible capital items will be at the discretion of Meath County Childcare Committee. The following list (which is not exhaustive) gives examples of the different types of costs that are eligible and not eligible for the grant (please consult with your local Childcare Committee if you have queries in relation to eligibility).

Eligible Equipment

Safety items – fire blanket, fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, socket covers, cupboard locks, first aid kit, stair gate, fireguard, car seat etc.

Childcare equipment – changing table / mat, sterilizer, double/single buggy, high chair, cot, sturdy child sized table & chairs, booster seat, step up stools, potty, bedding, car seat, foot operated bin, storage etc.

Indoor/outdoor play equipment – swing, slide, climbing frame, sand box & water tray, ride on toys, building blocks, art & craft supplies, books, appropriate toys for various age groups, etc.

Minor adaptations – fencing, gates, painting, flooring, developing a changing area/ outdoor play space etc.

Please Note:

Ensure that all equipment purchased complies with The EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC to ensure that equipment meets safety requirements.

Ensure that, for minor adaptions, that the person is a registered contractor.

What is not acceptable eligible equipment?

Trampolines, subscriptions, consumables, walkers, travel cot, electronic equipment including: games/consoles, IT equipment, batteries.

What is not acceptable eligible expenditure?

Delivery cost of items, second hand items, bags (packing at the shop), installation/worker labour costs, items that would be considered for home use rather than childcare use.

Please note:

When purchasing items in another currency you are required to attach a proof of conversion rate.

Ensure that you only submit receipts of purchases after the grant approval date and for items that have been approved.

Childminding Development Grant Application Form

The 2022 grant is now closed – please check back in 2023