Mandatory Tusla Registration for All Childminders in Ireland by 2027 Under New Childcare Law
Dublin: A significant shift is underway in Ireland’s childcare sector as the government mandates that all childminders must be registered with Tusla, the country’s child and family agency, by 2027. This follows long-standing criticism of Ireland’s unregulated childminding practices. A 2019 European Commission report highlighted Ireland as the only country in the EU where childminding operated without government oversight, contributing to a shortage of accredited childcare services.
To address these concerns, new guidelines have been issued under the Child Care (Amendment) Act, which limits childminders to a maximum of six children at a time, of which only two can be under 15 months old. Parents who opt for services from registered childminders will also qualify for subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). The new law classifies childminding as a third distinct type of childcare service, a departure from the Child Care Act of 1991 that exempted childminders from regulation. As a result, less than 70 childminders were registered with Tusla as of last year, despite the fact that around 53,000 children are currently cared for by approximately 13,000 childminders.
Registration Process and Timeline
Registration for childminders will open on September 30, with a €40 fee. A three-year transition period will allow childminders time to comply with the new regulations, though registration won’t become compulsory until autumn 2027. Tusla will have the authority to take legal action against those who fail to register within the designated period. Under the new law, any childminder caring for more than six children must be registered as a preschool service. Registered childminders will also become eligible to apply for National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidies.
Mandatory Training and Garda Vetting
In addition to registration, the new regulations require all childminders to undergo mandatory training and Garda vetting, which will be supported by government funding. Childminders must complete a 6–7 hour registration training session, along with an e-learning course on child protection. A first aid certificate is also required, along with a contract with the children’s parents, public liability insurance, and a self-declaration that the childminder’s home meets Tusla’s pre-registration assessment criteria. Childminders are not required to stop working while completing the registration and training process, which can be done at their convenience.
Pre-Registration Support and Flexibility
Pre-registration training for childminders will begin next week, delivered through local County Childcare Committees (CCCC). Unlike formal childcare facilities, childminders are not required to have special equipment, furniture, or a formal curriculum. Working hours and other terms, such as bedtimes or meals, can be agreed upon between childminders and parents. Additionally, childminders do not need to document their own children’s presence during work hours.
Basic Qualifications for Childminders
To qualify as a registered childminder, individuals must complete a minimum Level 5 course in Early Childhood Care and Education (NFQ), a requirement for all staff working in services such as preschools and crèches. Childminders must also obtain Garda vetting, public liability insurance, and a paediatric first aid certificate while maintaining a clean and safe home environment.
Special exemptions are provided for registered nurses, who are not required to obtain the Level 5 NFQ qualification to start a childcare service, although they must meet specific criteria set by Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth.
Subsidies and Financial Assistance
Financial support for childcare is available under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), with two types of subsidies offered. One is universal, where the subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider, who deducts it from the total childcare bill. Recent changes increased the hourly subsidy from €1.40 to €2.14, providing up to €5,000 annually for full-time care. Full-time childcare in Ireland typically costs between €800 and €1,200 per month, depending on location and facilities. Even part-time care (three days a week) can range from €500 to €800 per month.
Studies indicate that organised childcare can be cost-effective for working parents, especially when coupled with after-school activities that reduce the financial burden on families.
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