NICMA- the Childminding Association

13/06/2026

📢 SAVE THE DATE

Join us for the NICMA Conference 2026!

Navigating Change Together

📅 Saturday 10 October 2026
🕙 10.00am – 4.00pm
📍 Seamus Heaney Centre, Bellaghy

A day of inspiration, learning and connection as we come together to explore change, opportunities and the future of childminding.

More details and booking information will be announced soon.

11/06/2026

💚 Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 – Attunement 💚

This Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, we are highlighting the theme of Attunement - noticing, understanding and responding to a baby's feelings, needs and cues.

Our Registered Childminders and Approved Home Childcarers demonstrate attunement every day through the nurturing relationships they build with the babies and children in their care.

By responding sensitively to a baby's signals, offering comfort, encouragement and reassurance, they help children feel safe, secure and understood – laying the foundations for positive mental health and wellbeing.

As part of this year's awareness week, we're sharing a throwback to our Infant Mental Health video from last year👶💚

This shows that infant mental health is everyone's business and that the trusted relationships children form with the caring adults around them can have a lasting impact on their development.

We celebrate the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our Registered Childminders and Approved Home Childcarers, whose attuned care helps children thrive from the very start 💚

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11/06/2026

🌟 International Day of Play – 11 June 🌟

At NICMA, we know that play is at the heart of every child's learning, development and wellbeing. This International Day of Play, we're encouraging our members and families to celebrate the power of play and the important role it has in childhood.

UNICEF has some fantastic ideas and resources to help children enjoy meaningful play experiences at home and in their communities. Take a look here: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/day-of-play

Let's work together to protect play, protect childhood, and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through play.

💬 We'd love to hear how your family or setting will be celebrating the International Day of Play—share your ideas and photos in the comments below!

Help us make sure that every child everywhere can fulfil their right to play

11/06/2026

Happy International Day of Play! 🌧️🎉

The rain may have arrived, but it certainly doesn't stop the fun! Today we celebrate the power of play in all its forms.

Splashing in puddles, building dens, getting creative indoors, and making memories together. Play helps children learn, grow, and thrive, whatever the weather.

Here's to embracing the joy of play, rain or shine! ☔💙

10/06/2026

👏 What a month!

From meet-ups and workshops to online engagement and sector updates, Childminding Month 2026 was yet again packed with activity, connections, and impact.

Check out our highlights infographic to see what we achieved together – thank you to everyone who took part and helped celebrate the vital role of home-based childcare.

08/06/2026

Could you be an Approved Home Childcarer?

If you're passionate about working with children and looking for a flexible and rewarding career, Approved Home Childcare could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Watch our video to learn more about the role and the support available through the Childminding Academy, including:

✔ Free training
✔ Funded registration
✔ Ongoing mentoring and support
✔ Flexible working opportunities
✔ A rewarding career supporting local families

Take the first step towards a new career in childcare and find out what's involved.

Email [email protected] for more information.

08/06/2026

This Carers Week, NICMA recognises the vital role that carers play in our communities.

Many of our registered childminders and approved home childcarers not only provide professional care and support to children every day but also undertake unpaid and often unrecognised caring responsibilities for family members and loved ones. We thank all carers for their dedication, compassion and commitment, both in their work and at home. 💜

07/06/2026

Looking for a flexible and rewarding career working with children?

Whether you're interested in becoming a Registered Childminder or an Approved Home Childcarer, the Childminding Academy can help you get started.

We offer:

✔ FREE training
✔ Funded registration
✔ Ongoing mentoring and support
✔ Guidance every step of the way
✔ Flexible working opportunities
✔ A rewarding career supporting children and families

If you're passionate about making a difference and want a career that fits around your lifestyle, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch to find out more about becoming a Registered Childminder or Approved Home Childcarer.

05/06/2026

Looking for a flexible and rewarding career in childcare?

Become an Approved Home Childcarer and provide care for children in their own homes, helping families access the childcare they need.

With the Childminding Academy, you'll receive:

✔ FREE training
✔ Funded registration
✔ Ongoing mentoring and support
✔ Guidance to get started
✔ Flexible working opportunities
✔ A rewarding career supporting children and families

Whether you're already working in childcare or looking for a new career path, we'll support you every step of the way.

Interested? Get in touch to find out more.

05/06/2026

This week we've been supporting the Child Accident Prevention Trust to help children lead active, healthy lives, safe from serious injury.

2026 is all about making prevention possible, and empowering families to make simple changes without feeling overwhelmed.

Discover top tips to keep children safe: https://capt.org.uk/resources/parents-pack/

Accident Prevention Trust