Pilot Childminding Service at the Galway Film Fair

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Overview:

Raising Films Ireland, in partnership with the National Talent Academies, is excited to introduce a pilot Childminding Link Service at the Galway Film Fair 2025. As a pilot scheme, the service will be limited, with an ambition to expand its reach in years to come. As such, we can offer childminders to 8 families at a time, with a limit of TWO time slots per family over the 4 days.

The service will be offered Thursday 10th, Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July 2025 and childminding will take place in a dedicated room in the Galmont Hotel.

This initiative is part of our shared commitment to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and accessible screen industry in Ireland. We recognise the barriers parents and guardians face when participating in industry events and festivals, and this service aims to support their equal involvement in the creative community.

Who It Is For:
  • Industry professionals attending the Galway Film Fair who require short term, flexible childcare
  • Industry professionals attending events within the Galmont hotel with children between 6 months and 13 years  – (please note that space is limited on site and this year’s service might be more suited to younger children)
Support Offered:
  • Short-Term Childminding: Flexible care options during key festival hours to support attendance at panels, meetings, and events.
  • Qualified Professionals: Care provided by trained, vetted childminders in a safe and stimulating environment. One childminder will be provided per family through a professional childcare provider. Please note that the contract will be between the minder and the parent, with Raising Films Ireland and the National Talent Academies providing the point of contact.
  • Central Location: Childminding space located conveniently in the Galmont Hotel – please note parents/guardians will be required to stay on site for the duration of the service. If you are staying in the Galmont and would like your child/ren to be minded in your room this can be accommodated.
  • Free service: As a pilot programme, we will be offering this limited service free of charge on a first come first served basis.
  • Family Guide to Galway Film Fleadh: Additional information for visiting Galway. Includes information on local summer camps, child friendly restaurants, playgrounds, and contact details for booking babysitters outside of this service.
Aims of the Initiative:
  • Accessibility: To reduce childcare-related barriers to participation in the Galway Film Fair for parents and guardians working or engaging with the screen industry.
  • Inclusivity: To create a welcoming and supportive environment that recognises parents’ and guardians’ caring responsibilities, and to raise awareness around balancing life and work.
  • Wellbeing & Sustainability: To contribute to a healthier, more balanced industry by supporting professionals with caring responsibilities, helping to retain talent across all levels of the sector.
Important Notes:

Food must be provided by the Parents/Guardians.

Nappies/wipes etc must be provided by the Parents/Guardians.

Parents/Guardians must remain on site in the Galmont Hotel.

Buggy/travel cot must be provided if your child requires a nap or walk during the day.

Drop off and pick up times must be adhered to; we cannot facilitate last minute changes to schedules.

Time slots will be 9.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-5pm every day.  A maximum of 2 slots per family will be allowed over the course of the week.

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL A SLOT AS THE DEMAND HAS BEEN VERY HIGH FOR THIS SERVICE

If you require babysitting outside of these hours we are happy to provide you with contact information for the service company we are using. Please note: we cannot book babysitters for you outside of these hours. Babysitting will be at a cost to the parents/guardians. It is your responsibility to organise and pay for babysitting.  If you require childcare outside these hours please contact your childminder directly and make arrangements separately. Details can be found in the Family Guide to Galway Film Fleadh.

Participant Profile:

The Childminding link service is aimed at industry professionals who are attending Galway Film Fair events in the Galmont and need short term flexible childcare on-site for children aged between 6 months and 13 years.

Registration Procedure:

Please register online: Link live on 25th June at 11am

For technical difficulties with the online system, please mcglynn.terry@gmail.com

For all other queries, please email raisingfilmsireland@gmail.com

The programme is open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

Selection Process:

The booking system will be available on a first come first served basis with a maximum of 2 slots (3hr duration- either 9.30am-12.30pm or 2pm-5pm) over the week per family allowed.