Registration with Tusla for Childminders

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.

What is the purpose of registration?

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.

How do you register a childminding service?

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.

• To register as a pre-school childminder, you must hold a complete Early Childhood Care and Education at level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework or equivalent.
• To register as a school age childminder, you currently require no specific qualification under existing school age regulations.

Garda Vetting and childminders

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.

Child Safeguarding and childminders

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:

• Tusla Registration
• Regulatory Guidance
• Inspection Support

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 

What supports are available if you are not registered with Tusla?

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.