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Childminders worried about impact of proposed changes

Childminders in the Isle of Man are worried about proposed changes which could limit the number of babies they look after.

The Department of Health and Social Care is currently consulting on childminder standards in connection with the Regulation of Care Act.

There are a number of changes which are aimed at improving best practice for child care on the Island.

But the one that's causing concern is the plan to limit childminders to looking after only one baby under the age of 12 months and at any one time, unless they are twins.

It's a legal requirement in many other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom.

Currently they are allowed no more than six children under the age of seven at any one time, and no more than three under the age of five.

Georgie Birchenough is a childminder in Peel, who feels the consequences for both parents and childminders would be huge.

Head of registration and inspection at the DHC, Jeanette Gardner, says the Island is falling behind without this provision, and insists it is about giving very young children the best possible care.

A group of childminders has met with department officials to voice their concerns, and some have also been in touch with their MHK.

The North Douglas member Bill Henderson says he can't understand the need for the change.

Meanwhile, the department is stressing that they are still in a period of consultation, and any childminders who want to have their say have until Friday to do so.

 

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