Registered Childminder Training Academy launched by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

Fermanagh and Omagh Labour Market Partnership (LMP) has launched a Registered Childminder Training Academy to help address the lack of affordable, quality childcare provision in the Council area.

The Labour Market Partnership, which creates targeted employment action plans for council areas, is funded by the Department for Communities, and allows for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

The LMP’s Training Academy aims to engage with those who are unemployed or economically inactive, within the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area, and assist them move into employment through the provision of childminding services.

This in turn will provide opportunities for other parents wishing to return to work as a result of having greater access to childcare.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said,

“I am delighted that the Council is working in partnership with South West College who will be delivering this programme.  This academy aims to help improve employability outcomes and labour market conditions locally.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone not in employment and thinking of starting or returning to work.  The lack of affordable and quality childcare is a common problem for many parents.  Action needs to be taken.

I am very pleased that residents in our District can avail of this Academy and I would like to encourage anyone interested to take up this limited opportunity.

An important element of this academy is the provision of continuous one-to-one mentoring support to participants, from initial contact right through to six months after completing the training.”

The Academy will equip participants with the necessary skills to become a fully registered Childminder in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area. It will be delivered within the Omagh and Enniskillen areas from the end of January 2023. Participants will be supported throughout their journey to becoming a fully registered Childminder.

A £100 allowance per participant, for the purchase of child safety equipment or insurance will be made available as well as support with lunch or travel expenses for each day of attendance.

To be eligible for this Academy you must have a verifiable address within the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council boundary; be unemployed or economically inactive; interested in a career in Childcare; meet the requirements to working within this sector; can honour the time commitments required in completing all necessary aspects of the Academy and are 18 years of age or over.

For further information and registration, please contact David Taylor at South West College  David.Taylor@swc.ac.uk