Childminding
In 2021, the Government launched the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021 – 2028. An important development in this plan is the introduction of new regulations specifically developed for childminders who work in their own homes. The regulations were published on the 19th of September 2024 and came into operation on the 30th of September. From this date, childminders can apply for registration with Tusla. Once the childminder has been successfully registered and then signs up to the National Childcare Scheme, parents of children in these services will be able to apply for the National Childcare Scheme in the same way that other parents currently can when their children attend centre based early years services.
Tusla Registration
‘The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 provides a transition period of three years for the new childminding regulations. This means that from the 30th of September 2024, childminders will be able to register with Tusla but it will not be mandatory until the end of the transition period in September 2027. Childminders who mind 3 or fewer preschool children and 6 or fewer children in total will continue to be exempt for the duration of the transitional period. Only childminders who are minding more than 3 preschool children or more than 6 children in total will be required to register immediately’.
Who Are Tusla?
TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency, are the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children.Tusla’s Early Years Inspectorate is the independent statutory regulator of Early Years Services in Ireland.
’Following the end of the Transition period, September 2027, all childminders’ wills be required to register with Tusla. This is to ensure that children attending Childminding Services are safe, receive appropriate care and have a positive experience where they can develop and learn in a quality service.’
How to register with Tulsa
Childminder who would like to register their Childminding service e with Tusla will need to complete the registration process as outlined below. The application process opened on Monday 30th September 2024.
The Childminding pre-registration training is a mandatory course for anyone who intends to register with Tusla for a childminding service.
To take this training course you must be:
- 18 years old or over
- Self-employed and providing a paid childcare service in your own home
- Either currently working as a childminder and intending to register with Tusla, or Intending to work as a childminder and register with Tusla
If you are unsure as to whether or not you are eligible to register with Tusla, contact our Childminding Development Officer Rachael by email: [email protected] or phone: 087-4310471 for information and support.
Garda Vetting
All Tusla Registered Childminders must have Garda Vetting. Best practice would indicate that all Childminders and their emergency backup contact will be Garda Vetted.
To apply for Garda Vetting, you will need to contact Tusla: https://www.tusla.ie/early-years-inspectorate/garda-vetting-applications/
Child Protection and Welfare
Children First relates to the recognition of child abuse and neglect, the reporting of same to Tusla – Child and Family Agency, and the best practice which organisations should adhere to, to keep children safe while availing of their services.
Tusla Children First E-learning Programme
Tusla has worked with the DCEDIY and HSE to develop a universal e-learning training programme called ‘Introduction to Children First’. The programme is based on Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and the Children First Act 2015.
The programme takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete but it can be done in a number of sittings.
To adhere to best practice in relation to Child Protection & Welfare, all Childminders and their emergency cover person should complete the E-learning programme.
A Childminder must complete this Tulsa Children First E-Learning programme prior to registering their Childminding service with Tulsa.
Always Children First Training – Foundation Level
Always Children First training aims to create an awareness of Child Protection and Welfare issues in the Early Years sector.
The aim of the training is to help Childminders understand how to safeguard children and report Child Protection and Welfare concerns.
This training may be accessed through your local City/County Childcare Committee.
A prerequisite of attending this training is that Childminders have completed the Tusla Children First E-Learning Programme.
Insurance
All Childminders should ensure that the childminding service is adequately insured, evidenced by a current certificate of insurance.
For Childminders working from their own home, Childminding Insurance is important for their own protection.
Many home insurance policies cover childminding for up to 2 children, which may be extended to mind up to 6 children.
For specific childminding insurance, there are policies, such as that offered by Childminding Ireland, which are tailored packages for minding up to 6 children.
Childminding Ireland Members Insurance Package
As insured members, Childminders have access to the full range of services including free advertising space on www.childminding.ie.
The insurance is comprehensive and provides:
- Public Liability covering insurable accidents
- All risks cover on equipment relating to Childminding, with low €125 excess
- Outings, including swimming with increased ratio of 1 adult to 5 Children
- Loss of Income if your service closes due to certified illness
- Employer Liability, to include helpers or substitutes
- Legal advice and counselling helpline
Childminders caring for more than 6 children should contact their broker or home insurance company to ensure they have adequate insurance cover.
Car Insurance & Child Car Seats
All Childminders should check with their car insurer to clarify if they are covered to carry minded children. As Childminders are paid to mind these children, the car insurance company may ask Childminders to get Class 2 insurance to cover the use of their car for business purposes.
Suitable child car seats are essential if Childminders are transporting children as part of their working day, all Childminders have a duty of care to ensure the safety of children.
See the Road Safety Authority(RSA) advice in relation to child car seats.
First Aid Requirement for Childminders
As a measure of best practice all Childminders are encouraged to participate in First Aid for children.
Fire Safety Information and Regulations
It is important and considered best practice that all Childminders have Fire Safety policies and procedures in place.
This includes an emergency evacuation plan, relevant fire equipment and a fire drill should be carried out monthly with drills being recorded and documented as recommended in Fire Safety in Preschools (1999).
