Registration of Childcare Services to Tusla
The Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 provides for the regulation and inspection of childcare services which cater for pre-school children in Ireland. Under Irish law a ‘Pre-school child is a child who is under six years of age and who is not attending a national school or a school providing education similar to a national school.’
Pre-school childcare services statutorily required to register with Tusla:
childminding service; full day care service; overnight pre-school service; part-time day care service; pre-school service in a drop-in centre; temporary pre-school service; sessional pre-school service.
Registration with Tusla
Under Section 92, Child and Family Agency Act 2013, the Child and Family Agency is required to provide for a system of registration of Early Years Services. This means that all new Early Years Service Providers, including childminders, will have to register with the Agency and undergo an inspection before commencing operation. Existing services and childminders will be deemed registered on an interim basis but will be required to apply for registration and undergo an inspection in due course.
Please refer to the Tusla website for additional information on the registration process.
The Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016
The Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 require all childcare services to provide specific information to Tusla. They also outline legal requirements in relation to:
- The health, welfare and development of the child
- Facilities for rest and play
- Equipment and materials
- Food and drink
- First aid and medical assistance
- Fire safety measures
- Insurance
- Management and staff
- Record keeping
- Premises and facilities
- Inspection