Sector Update
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILDMINDING STATUS
Just to recap, there are two categories of childminders in Ireland:
- Non-Tusla-Registered Childminders (currently exempt from registration)
- Tusla-Registered Childminders
Note: Non-registered childminders are the larger group until mandatory registration begins in September 2027.
FOR NON-TUSLA-REGISTERED CHILDMINDERS (CURRENTLY EXEMPT)
The Number of Children You Can Mind
- You can mind up to 6 children in total, with no more than 3 preschool-aged children at any time
- Your own children do not count in these numbers (until mandatory registration in September 2027)
Insurance Requirements
- Ensure your insurance policy specifically covers your childminding service
- Check that your policy covers the number of children in your care
- It is your responsibility to verify adequate insurance coverage
Garda Vetting Requirements
- In January 2025, Barnardos stopped providing Garda Vetting for childminders. Tusla have taken over this responsibility, but only for those childminders who are registering with them.
- Currently, there is no process in place for vetting childminders who are not registering with Tusla,
- There is currently no process in place for childminders’ emergency contacts or family members to be vetted, regardless of whether the childminder is registering with Tusla or not.
- The Department and Tusla are working to resolve the current Garda Vetting legal issues as soon as possible. In the meantime, Childminding Ireland is applying to process Garda Vetting directly.
- New and renewing members will be welcomed, and Garda vetting will be carried out once it becomes available. Until the current issues are resolved, Childminding Ireland members will be classified as either ‘Garda Vetted’ or ‘Awaiting Garda Vetting’.
- If you or your family members have lived in the UK : You must obtain a UK International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC). Please note that an ACRO Police Certificate is NOT sufficient for Tusla registration purposes. A number of childminders have mistakenly applied for an ACRO certificate first, only to discover it doesn’t meet Tusla’s requirements, causing delays and additional expense. Make sure to specifically request the ICPC from UK authorities.
- If you or any of your family members have lived in another country, you are required to provide police clearance from each of those countries.
FOR TUSLA-REGISTERED CHILDMINDERS
Number of Children You Can Mind
- The specific approved number of children you can mind will be determined during the registration process.
- You may be approved for fewer than 6 children, depending on the space available for your service.
- The exact number will be clearly stated on your registration certificate.
- You must adhere to the number of children approved to maintain valid registration and insurance coverage.
ALL CHILDMINDERS
Insurance compliance. To ensure you’re properly covered:
- Follow all relevant regulations for your status.
- Only care for the number of children permitted by your status.
- Ensure your insurance policy details matches your actual childminding service.
Paediatric First Aid Requirements
- Tusla requires in-person paediatric first aid training for registration.
- Online-only training does not meet Tusla requirements.
- Online Paediatric First Aid training was a response to manage training needs during the COVID-19 outbreak. Childminding Ireland is committed to in-person Paediatric First Aid training; as a result, online Paediatric First Aid training is no longer being provided.
For further information or assistance, please contact Childminding Ireland at