Childminding Ireland, the national childminding body, welcomes the new childminding regulations published today. These regulations mark a historic moment in Irish childcare, introducing for the first time a regulatory framework for all childminders.
Mary Walsh, Chairperson of Childminding Ireland and a working childminder, stated:
“We are pleased to see these long-awaited regulations come to fruition. We extend our gratitude to all childminders who engaged with both the public consultation and Childminding Ireland’s own consultation, helping to shape and improve these regulations.”
However, we are aware that many childminders have yet to see the final version and may feel uncertain about what this will mean for them. We want to reassure all childminders that we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard during the implementation phase. While these regulations are a significant step forward, there remains a transition period and time to adapt.
Key points of the new regulations include:
- Mandatory registration with Tusla for all childminders minding non-relative children for 2hrs per day or more
- Garda vetting requirements for all childminders
- Mandatory child safeguarding and first aid training
- Eligibility for registered childminders to apply to offer the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) to parents
The regulations include a three-year transition period, during which childminders are not required to register with Tusla or comply with the new regulations. This period allows time for careful adaptation and the development of appropriate supports for childminders.
Childminding Ireland recognises that there are still outstanding details, particularly around financial supports for childminders, which have yet to be decided. We will continue to advocate for clear, accessible supports that reflect the unique role childminders play in the care of over 53,000 children across the country.
Mary Walsh emphasised:
“It’s important to note that prior to these regulations, there was no registration pathway for childminders caring for fewer than four pre-school children or seven children of any age. Childminders were not avoiding registration; there simply wasn’t a mechanism for them to do so.”
While welcoming the new regulations, Childminding Ireland is also calling for a comprehensive review 18 months into the transition period, before the regulations become mandatory. This review should:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the regulations
- Assess the impact on the childminding sector
- Identify any challenges in implementation
- Gather feedback from all stakeholders
- Consider necessary adjustments and ensure that they are implemented before the regulations become mandatory
Childminding Ireland will work closely with childminders, DCEDIY, and Tusla to ensure a smooth transition. Together, we can shape a system that benefits children, families, and childminders, ensuring that home-from-home childcare remains a sustainable, high-quality option for parents across the country.
Read the new childminding regulations here.
Read the DCEDIY press release here.