All Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services must have a Critical Incident Plan, as outlined by the Tusla Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF) and National Quality Guidelines. This guide, developed from previous resources including the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), supports services in preparing for and responding to critical incidents. While this guide offers practical advice, it is essential that settings also comply with legal responsibilities, such as health and safety laws, and continuously review risk assessments, policies, and plans.
The National Quality Guidelines for School Age Childcare were developed by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs following the 2017 Action Plan on School Age Childcare. These guidelines are informed by best practices from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA, and have been shaped by input from Irish organisations such as County Childcare Committees and sectoral experts. The seven quality areas outlined in the guidelines serve as a benchmark for service delivery, with a focus on children’s rights, child protection, welfare, equality, and environmentalism.
