If you are a childminder in Ireland, 2026 is a pivotal year. The Childminding Regulations 2024 have fundamentally changed the landscape, bringing childminders into the formal regulatory framework for the very first time and opening up access to State funding that was previously unavailable to them. Whether you are a new childminder or have been minding for years, this guide tells you everything you need to know and do.
What Changed Under the Childminding Regulations 2024?
For most of childminding's history in Ireland, the sector operated largely outside formal regulation. Childminders caring for fewer than four unrelated children in their own home were not required to register with Tusla. The Health (Childminding) Act 2024 and the resulting Childminding Regulations 2024 changed this completely.
Under the new regulations, all childminders caring for any number of unrelated children for payment must register with Tusla. There is no longer a threshold of four or more children before registration applies. This is the most significant change to childminding regulation in Ireland in a generation.
The regulations reflect a recognition by the Government that childminders are a vital part of the early years ecosystem, particularly in rural areas and for families with non-standard working hours, and that children cared for by childminders deserve the same quality assurance and protections as those in centre-based settings.
The Tusla Registration Process for Childminders
- Complete a childminding registration application with your local Tusla Early Years Inspectorate covering information about you, your premises and your practice.
- Obtain Garda vetting. All childminders and household members aged 16 and over must undergo Garda vetting through the National Vetting Bureau before registration is granted.
- Hold a current Paediatric First Aid certificate from a recognised training provider. This is a mandatory requirement.
- Undergo a premises assessment where a Tusla inspector will assess your home covering safety, space, hygiene and access to outdoor play.
- Have written policies in place covering safeguarding, behaviour management, health and safety and other areas specified in the regulations.
- Receive your registration certificate specifying the number of children you are permitted to mind once all conditions are satisfied.
The Three-Year Transition Period: Where We Are in 2026
Year 1 (2024 to 2025): Awareness and Preparation
Childminders became aware of the new requirements. Support from Childminding Ireland, CCCs and the DCEDIY helped them understand what registration involves. No enforcement action against those actively engaging during this phase.
Year 2 (2025 to 2026): Active Registration
This is the core registration phase. Childminders who have completed their training and Garda vetting are submitting formal applications to Tusla. If you have not started yet, now is the time. Tusla is resourced to handle the volume of applications this year.
Year 3 (2026 to 2027): Full Compliance Required
By the end of the transition period, every childminder caring for unrelated children for payment must be registered. Operating without registration after this point will be a legal offence with potential prosecution consequences.
Do not leave registration until Year 3. Childminders who wait risk delayed applications, long processing queues and gaps in their ability to access NCS funding. Start your registration journey now if you have not already done so.
The Childminding Development Grant: Up to One Thousand Euro
The Childminding Development Grant was specifically introduced to help childminders cover the costs of meeting the new registration requirements. It provides funding of up to one thousand euro through your local City or County Childcare Committee and can be used towards:
- Paediatric First Aid training costs
- Childminding-specific training and CPD courses
- Safety equipment such as stair gates, fire guards and safety locks
- Insurance costs for the new registration year
- Policy templates and compliance documentation resources
- Childproofing and premises safety upgrades required for registration
Keep all receipts for any expenses you incur while preparing for registration. These can be submitted as part of your grant claim. Contact your local CCC to check current eligibility criteria and application windows in your area.
NCS Access for Registered Childminders
One of the most significant practical benefits of registration is access to the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). Previously, most childminders were excluded from NCS, meaning families they cared for could not access State subsidies. From 2026, registered childminders can participate in NCS, enabling families to claim both the universal subsidy and income-related subsidies.
This makes registered childminders significantly more attractive to families, as State subsidies reduce the effective cost to parents without necessarily reducing the childminder's income. To participate in NCS you must be registered with Tusla, registered on the POBAL PIP system and have signed a NCS Provider Agreement with POBAL.
Support Available for Childminders
- Childminding Ireland: the national representative body for childminders, offering training, resources and guidance through the registration process
- Local CCCs: your City or County Childcare Committee is your first point of contact for local support, grant applications and signposting to training
- Better Start: access to quality improvement mentoring and resources
- POBAL: for PIP registration and NCS provider setup
Early Years Shop, part of the Canavan Byrne brand, provides practical ready-to-use policies, risk assessments and compliance tools for childminders preparing for Tusla registration. All products are available in downloadable format for immediate access upon purchase.
Final Thoughts
The Childminding Regulations 2024 are not a burden. They are a recognition of the vital, professional role that childminders play in Ireland's early years landscape. Registration opens doors: to State funding, to NCS participation, to professional development, and to the recognition that childminders deserve. If you have not started your registration journey yet, 2026 is your year.
Early Years Shop is part of the Canavan Byrne brand and provides policies, risk assessments and compliance resources designed for Irish childminders. With products available for immediate download and nationwide shipping Monday to Friday, getting registration-ready has never been easier.
Visit earlyyearsshop.ie to browse our policies and toolkits range and risk assessment packs for childminders.
