On 19 September 2024, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth published the new regulations for childminders, which will come into effect on 30 September. Significant changes have been made to the regulations as a result of the public consultation that took place earlier in 2024. The regulations have been written to reflect the home and family setting in which childminders work and the unique features of childminding, while providing important safeguards for children and offering safety and quality assurance for parents.
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.
Below are links to the Regulations themselves, to Guidance on the Regulations, and to the Regulatory Impact Analysis. There are also links below to the independent report on the consultation on the draft regulations and to the Department’s response document, which sets out changes made to the regulations in response to the consultation along with explanations of proposals made in the consultation process that did not result in changes or that are being addressed in ways other than through Regulations.
For further information about the regulations see 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. )
