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Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 1pm

NICMA- the Childminding Association

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NICMA- the Childminding Association

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Welcome to NICMA - the Childminding Association's official page

NICMA – the Childminding Association was established in 1984 as a charity and membership organisation to support and develop registered childminding for the benefit of children, families and communities. It is the sole organisation representing childminders in Northern Ireland with 65% of registered childminders here as members.

30/10/2026

25/10/2026

💜 Togetherness: Understanding Your Child with Additional Needs

Would you like to better understand your child’s needs and find ways to support them as they grow?

The Togetherness online learning programme offers helpful information and practical guidance for parents and carers, including a pathway focused on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The programme is free for residents of Northern Ireland. Simply visit https://togetherness.co.uk/northern-ireland and use the access code NIFAMILIES to get started.

A useful resource to explore in your own time, whenever it suits you. 💜

Learn from NHS clinical psychologists, practitioners, and other parents. The pathways will help you and your family understand and manage emotions in everyday life.

22/10/2026

📚 Have your say on the future of public libraries in Northern Ireland!

Many of our Registered Childminders and Approved Home Childcarers regularly visit their local libraries, whether it's for Rhythm and Rhyme sessions, choosing books, enjoying stories together or giving children opportunities to learn, play and socialise.

Libraries play such a valuable role in supporting young children, families and local communities, so if you use your local library, why not take a few minutes to share your views?

The Consultation on a Public Libraries Policy for Northern Ireland is now open, and your feedback can help shape the future of our public libraries.

🗓️ The consultation closes on 25 November 2026 at 11:59pm.

Have your say and help make sure the voices of those who use and value our libraries are heard.

Have Your Say on the future of public libraries. 📢

The Department for Communities has launched a consultation on a new Policy for Public Libraries, and we’re encouraging our customers and stakeholders to take part. The consultation is an opportunity to share your views and experiences of public library services in Northern Ireland.

Find out more and take part 👉 https://orlo.uk/lOx2C

Communities NI

22/10/2026

Great to see the new Sustainable Resource Centre at Southern Regional College! A fantastic resource for supporting sustainability, creativity and learning. ♻️

21/10/2026

Would you like to better understand your child’s needs and discover practical ways to support their development? The Togetherness programme offers helpful insights and strategies to help you understand your child, strengthen your relationship and support their emotional wellbeing.

If you're a resident of NI, you can access the training for free using the NIFAMILIES access code.

Welcome to the Togetherness pathway, Understanding your child with ...

19/10/2026

💛 Parenting Week 2026 – Making Connections

Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also have its challenges. Having someone to talk to, connecting with other parents and knowing where to find support can make a real difference.

This Parenting Week, NICMA is supporting the theme Making Connections and celebrating the importance of connection for parents, carers and families.

Registered Childminders and Approved Home Childcare Carers play an important role in helping children build relationships, supporting families and creating connections within their local communities.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter most – spending time together, checking in with someone or simply letting a parent know they’re not alone. 💛

📅 Parenting Week runs from 19–23 October 2026.

Find out more and explore the support available through Parentline NI and Children in Northern Ireland: https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parenting-week-2026/

16/10/2026

💚 A big thank you to everyone who donated prizes for our NICMA Conference ballot!

We were so grateful for the generosity and support shown by everyone who contributed prizes for Saturday’s conference. Your kindness helped make the day extra special, and we really appreciate you taking the time to support NICMA and our Registered Childminders and AHCCs.

Thank you for helping us make the day a success! 👏

First Aid training voucher - PRN Training

First Aid Boxes – Charlie Howes - Emergency Care NI EmergencycareNI

Magazine Subscription- NI Homes

National Trust Family Pass x2

Ark Farm Family Pass The Ark Open Farm

Titanic Experience Family Pass

W5 Family Pass

Omniplex Cinema – Pass for 2 people

NICMA Value Pack and Visitors Book

1 Years NICMA membership and Insurance

15/10/2026

👏 A big thank you!

Events like the NICMA Conference take a lot of planning and teamwork, and we’d like to thank everyone who helped make Saturday such a success.

To our speakers, workshop facilitators, venue team, information stand hosts and everyone working behind the scenes, thank you for your time and contribution.

Most importantly, thank you to the childminders and AHCCs who came along, got involved and helped make the day what it was.

It was great to bring everyone together around this year’s theme, Navigating Change Together. 💚

14/10/2026

💬 It’s always lovely to hear what people thought of the day!

We’re delighted to share some of the feedback from our NICMA Conference on Saturday.

From the workshops and opportunities to learn, to catching up with fellow childminders and sharing experiences, the conference was a chance to come together.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to give us feedback. Your comments help us shape future events and make sure they continue to be relevant and valuable to our members.

Here’s what some of our attendees had to say… 👇

"The most valuable part was gaining new knowledge, sharing experiences with other childminders, and learning new ways to support children's development."

"It’s great opportunity to meet NICMA team and other childminders."

"Thank you for organising this conference. It was informative, enjoyable, and very useful for my work as a childminder. I look forward to future events."

"I thoroughly enjoyed today. This was my first NICMA conference (I'm only registered a year) and everything from the workshops to mixing and chatting with other childminders has been invaluable. Thank you!!"

Address

Elizabeth House 116-118 Holywood Road
Newtownards
BT41NU

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 1pm

Website

http://www.nicma.org/

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