Running a compliant early years setting in Ireland in 2026 means having the right documents, systems and resources in place every single day, not just when Tusla calls. This guide gives you the definitive 10-resource checklist, with direct references to what is available from Early Years Shop. When inspection day comes, you will be ready.
1. A Complete, Reviewed Policy Suite
Your policies are the bedrock of everything. Tusla requires written policies covering every area of your service's operation, and they must be written, implemented, reviewed regularly and accessible to staff and families. An undated, unreviewed or incomplete policy suite is one of the most common Tusla inspection findings across Ireland.
Your suite must include at minimum: Child Safeguarding Statement, Admissions Policy, Complaints Policy, Behaviour Management Policy, Health and Welfare Policy, Safe Sleep Policy for any service with under-ones, Administration of Medication Policy, Infection Control Policy, Fire Safety Policy, GDPR and Data Protection Policy, and Staff Code of Conduct.
Early Years Shop stocks individual policies and full policy packs including the Safe Sleep Policy, the Garda Vetting Policy, the Dropping Off and Collection Policy and many more, all available in downloadable format for immediate access. Browse the Records, Policies and Toolkits range at earlyyearsshop.ie.
2. Comprehensive Risk Assessment Packs
Every early years setting must have written risk assessments identifying potential hazards and the measures in place to manage them. Risk assessments must cover the indoor environment, outdoor space, outings, food preparation, equipment use and any activity involving potential risk.
Early Years Shop's Risk Assessment range includes the Room Suitability Risk Assessment, Daily Checklists Folder, Operations Folder Risk Assessment Pack, Outings Folder Risk Assessment Pack, Allergy Risk Assessment Form and Asthma Risk Assessment Form among many others. Browse the full range at earlyyearsshop.ie.
3. Attendance and Admission Registers
Tusla requires you to maintain accurate, up-to-date registers of every child attending your service. The Admission Register records full name, date of birth, address and parental contact details. The Attendance Register records daily attendance including hours present. Both must be kept for a minimum of seven years and must be available for Tusla inspection at any time.
4. Staff Records and Garda Vetting Files
Every person working in your service who has contact with children must have valid Garda vetting in place before they start. Your staff file for each team member must contain their signed employment contract, evidence of their qualification, their Garda vetting disclosure, reference check documentation and a record of training and CPD completed. Staff files must be kept securely and be available for Tusla inspection.
5. Accident and Incident Report Forms
Every accident or incident involving a child must be recorded in writing on a dedicated form on the day it occurs. The record must include the date, time and location, a description of what happened, any injuries sustained, first aid provided and the signature of the practitioner managing the incident. Parents must be informed and asked to sign the record on the day. All records must be retained and available for inspection.
6. Individual Child Files
Each child attending your service must have an individual file containing their enrolment and contact form, medical information including allergies and conditions, all consent forms, a copy of their birth certificate for ECCE verification, and records of any significant communications with parents regarding the child's welfare or development. Child files are confidential and must be stored securely in line with GDPR requirements.
7. Compliance Posters and Statutory Displays
Your premises must display specific information as required by health and safety and childcare legislation. This includes your Tusla registration certificate displayed prominently, the fire evacuation procedure, first aid kit location, emergency contact numbers, names and photographs of current first-aiders on duty and food allergy information in kitchen areas. Early Years Shop's Posters and Signs range provides compliant, professional-quality displays for your setting. Browse the full range at earlyyearsshop.ie.
8. Parent Communication Tools
Effective parent communication is both a regulatory requirement and a key quality indicator. You need systems for daily verbal key worker handovers, written communications, emergency contact cascades and individual child communications.
Early Years Shop's EYRF membership includes access to a customisable monthly newsletter that can be self-edited and sent to families, as well as a range of family information templates and communication resources. The Confidentiality and Social Media Declaration for Parents, Staff and Students is also available as a free download from earlyyearsshop.ie.
9. Observation and Curriculum Planning Documentation
Tusla inspectors assess the quality of your curriculum and how well it responds to the individual children in your care. You need a planning framework, individual observation records, evidence of how observations inform your planning and portfolio records linking to Aistear aims.
Early Years Shop's Learning Journal Bundle provides a structured, professional learning documentation system. The Emerging Interest Library through EYRF membership also supports documented, intentional curriculum planning linked to Aistear. Browse the full Educational Products range at earlyyearsshop.ie.
10. A Structured Staff Induction Pack
Every new staff member must be properly inducted into your setting before they begin working with children. A good induction pack ensures staff know your key policies from day one, understand their role and responsibilities clearly, have been briefed on your safeguarding procedures, know where all documentation is located and have signed to confirm receipt and reading of all key policies.
Early Years Shop's Student and Volunteer Toolkit and Job Descriptions Pack are practical starting points for building your induction system. The Inspection Essentials Starter Pack and the free Inspection Preparation Tool Office Tour are also invaluable for ensuring your whole setting is ready when inspection day comes. Browse the Quality and Compliance range at earlyyearsshop.ie.
Final Thoughts
Compliance does not have to be overwhelming. When you have the right systems, the right documents and the right habits in place, it becomes part of the rhythm of your setting rather than a source of stress. Start with this list. Audit what you have, identify what is missing, and fill the gaps. When Tusla knocks, and they will, you will be ready.
Early Years Shop is part of the Canavan Byrne brand, providing quality compliance resources and practical tools for Irish early years settings nationwide. Products are available in downloadable format for immediate access and with nationwide shipping Monday to Friday. Everything Tusla expects to see, all in one place.
Visit earlyyearsshop.ie to browse our Quality and Compliance range, Records Policies and Toolkits, Risk Assessment Packs and full shop.
