Childminding Regulations
In 2021, the Government launched the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021 – 2028. An important development in this plan is the introduction of new regulations specifically developed for childminders who work in their own homes. The regulations were published on the 19th of September 2024 and came into operation on the 30th of September. From this date, childminders can apply for registration with Tusla. Once the childminder has been successfully registered and then signs up to the National Childcare Scheme, parents of children in these services will be able to apply for the National Childcare Scheme in the same way that other parents currently can when their children attend centre based early years services.
What is a Childminder?
A childminder is a person who runs a childminding service looking after other people’s children (under the age of 15 years) for at least 2 hours per day, in the childminder’s own home. This definition does not apply to people who care for children in the children’s own home (such as nannies and au pairs). Childminders work by themselves and do not employ any other people to assist them with the children they are caring for.
Tusla Registration
If you are planning to register as a childminder, you will first need to contact Wexford County Childcare Committee at mary@wexfordchildcare.ie or call 0871769418. You need to arrange to undertake pre-registration training which provides all the information you need to understand what is required to apply to register and explains the registration process.
From the 30th of September 2024 childminders can apply to the Early Years Inspectorate for registration using the dedicated Tusla Childminding Portal. You can access the Tusla portal on the Tusla website This is where you submit your registration application. Tusla have also provided comprehensive, user-friendly guidance materials on their website about how to register, the requirements for registration and what you can expect from your initial pre-registration assessment visit. To access these resources and more, click here.
The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 provides a transition period of three years for the new childminding regulations. This means that from the 30th of September 2024, childminders will be able to register with Tusla but it will not be mandatory until the end of the transition period in September 2027. Childminders who mind 3 or fewer preschool children and 6 or fewer children in total will continue to be exempt for the duration of the transitional period. Only childminders who are minding more than 3 preschool children or more than 6 children in total will be required to register immediately.
Pre-Registration Training
The Pre-Registration Training is mandatory training for childminders and is the first step in registering with Tusla.
It will give you all the information you need to be a childminder, understand the new Childminding Regulations and documents required to register with Tusla. This training takes approximately 6 – 7 hours to complete and is FREE. It is be delivered either online or in person has no assessment and will provide you with a certificate of completion. The training is available through Wexford County Childcare Committee and all 3 sessions must be completed to receive your certificate. Contact the Childminding Development Officer by email at mary@wexfordchildcare.ie or call 0871769418.
The National Action Plan for Childminding (2021- 2028)
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) developed a National Action Plan for Childminding (NAPC) which was published in April 2021. The Action Plan aims to improve access, through childminding, to high quality and affordable early learning and care and school-age childcare. You can find out more information on the NAPC here. Search for @nationalactionplanforchildminding on Facebook to learn more about the NAPC.
Wexford County Childcare Committee supports childminders to:
- complete Pre-Registration training
- register with Tusla
- avail of relevant up to date childminding information
- access funding supports such as The Childminding Development Grant and Learner Fund Bursary for Childminders
- participate in local network opportunities with other Childminders
- avail of local training opportunities
- avail of the Childcare Services Relief with Revenue
- offer the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
- remove the isolation often experienced by Childminders
- connect with parents who are seeking childminding care.
Information for Parents
If you are a parent who uses or wants to use a Childminder for your child, you will find information on the Tusla website to help you make your decision. Alternatively, contact our Childminding Development Officer by email at mary@wexfordchildcare.ie or call 0871769418.