Important changes to the Garda Vetting procedure for the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Aged Childcare (SAC) sector.
The new Garda Vetting system has been designed to strengthen and streamline compliance processes to improve efficiencies for everyone. The updates will affect how employers, childminders, and employees apply for or renew their Garda Vetting applications. Our priority is to safeguard children, keeping them safe in all settings throughout Ireland.
Starting from 1 February 2025, the following changes will take effect:
• Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) will manage Garda Vetting services for all early
learning and care, and school-age childcare employees.
• Tusla will manage Garda Vetting services for registered providers including
Chairpersons of Boards of Management.
• As part of these changes, Barnardos will no longer provide vetting services.
If your current provider is Barnardos and you have employees, you will be required to apply for a new Garda Vetting Affiliate Number for Early Childhood Ireland. We recommend that you take a proactive approach in transferring to your new provider to be ready for the 1 February 2025 commencement date and in advance of when you might next need garda vetting services.
Please contact the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNBV) at gnvb.registration@garda.ie to progress your Affiliate Number application to ensure you have your new number to process submissions through Early Childhood Ireland.