Minister O’Gorman publishes new regulations for childminding, paving way for childminders to come into National Childcare Scheme

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.

Minister O’Gorman said

“I am delighted to announce the publication of Childminding-specific Regulations. Childminders play a hugely important role in caring for children in every community in this country, both rural and urban. This is a historic day for childminders and for the many families who use childminders every day.

“Since coming into office, I have been committed to the extension of regulation and supports to all paid, non-relative childminders, which in turn will open up the National Childcare Scheme to parents who use childminders. A priority for me has been to ensure that these new regulations are proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work, whilst ensuring the necessary safeguards for the protection of children.”

Kate Duggan CEO Tusla said

“Tusla welcomes the new childminding-specific regulations. Childminders across Ireland play an important role in supporting children and families. The regulations have been developed in close cooperation with childminders, ensuring they are mindful of the home setting. We will provide a supportive compliance approach by working with childminders to help them achieve registration.”

Tusla’s Early Years Inspectorate are responsible for implementing the regulations and will commence registration for child minders on 30 September. The regulations will support child safeguarding and quality assurance in the care of children, and recognise the essential services provided to parents by childminders.”

 

For further information about the regulations see www.gov.ie/childminding and www.tusla.ie/early-years-inspectorate/childminding-services. Childminders can also get more information from the Childminding Development Officer in their local City / County Childcare Committee (contact details at www.myccc.ie).

In addition to the Childminding Regulations, Minister O’Gorman announced the publication of the independent report on the public consultation on the Draft Regulations. This report is accompanied by the Department’s response document that sets out in detail the ways in which the regulations were amended in response to the public consultation.

A Regulatory Impact Analysis is also published.