Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has announced the publication of the new Childminding Regulations, which will come into effect on 30 September 2024. This is the first time that childminders will be able to register with Tusla under new regulations that reflect the home and family setting in which childminders work and that take into account the unique features of childminding.
The introduction of the Childminding Regulations follows through on a commitment in the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028.
From 30 September, it will be possible for childminders to start applying to Tusla to go through the registration process. Once registered by Tusla, childminders can then also apply to take part in the National Childcare Scheme.
An extensive consultation process on the Draft Regulations took place in the first half of the year with childminders, parents and other stakeholders. As a result of the consultation process, a number of significant changes have been made in the regulations that are now being published.
The Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Services) Regulations 2024 are due to be commenced on 30 September. Relevant sections of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 will be commenced on the same day and, in line with the Act, there will be a transition period of three years following the commencement of the Regulations. During this 3-year transition period, childminders will be able to register with Tusla, but they will not be required to do so.
You can read the full Press Release and download the Regulations in the links below.
Currently, under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 a person minding more than three pre-school children from different families is obliged to register with Tusla as a childminding service.
A person minding more than six school age children must also register with Tusla Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018. You do not have to hold a qualification in order to register as a school age childminder.
Note that registration with Tusla for childminders is due to change in the near future. Under the National Action Plan for Childminding (2021-2028), registration with Tusla will be extended to all paid, non-relative childminders under new regulations specific to childminding in the home.
Registration with Tusla is intended to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of children, to promote their development, and to ensure compliance with the regulations made under Part VII of the Childcare Act 1991. The Early Years Inspector inspects the childminding service and may make several visits to help the childminder reach regulatory standards.
All registrations can be completed through the Tusla online portal. It is a legal requirement for all childcare services (Early Learning and Care & School Age Childcare) proposing to operate to make an application under section 58D (2) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, at least 3 months before it is intended to commence operation. The annual notification fee for childminders is currently €40.
Garda vetting is best practice for all childminders. Anyone who has access to children should be vetted by the National Vetting Bureau, according to the law. It is a legal requirement for Tusla registered childminders, and it is recommended as best practice for all childminders.
Childminders should contact Barnardos Vetting Service in Cork for further information. This is a free service.
Phone: 021 454 7060 Email: vetting@barnardos.ie
It may take up to 2-3 weeks to receive the results of your vetting.
Tusla registered childminders are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015, with legal responsibility to report harm of children to Tusla and assist where requested.
All childminders have a duty of care to report child protection concerns to Tusla under the Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017. For more information, check Child Safeguarding.
What support is available for registration with Tusla?
The staff at South Dublin Childcare Committee are available to provide support and information on:
You can contact our Childminding Development Officer by calling our main phone number 01 4570122 or email helen@southdublinchildcare.ie .
For more information, see Tusla Registration for Childminders: a booklet by the national team of childminding development officers.
If you are a childminder and you are unsure as to whether you are obliged to register with Tusla, please contact Tusla, or Childminding Ireland or our Childminding Development Officer by calling our main phone number 01 4570122 or email helen@southdublinchildcare.ie
Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018, a person minding fewer than three pre-school children from different families, or fewer than six school age children, is legally exempt from regulation and registration with Tusla currently.
If you are a childminder, who is currently exempt from registration with Tusla, you are encouraged to engage with South Dublin Childcare Committee’s Childminding Development Officer to access advice, support and training.
If you are an existing childminder or new childminder and wish to become a Tusla registered childminder you have to apply through Tusla Registration Office.
South Dublin County Childcare Committee © 2021
