Minister Foley launches Public Consultation on Review of Childminding regulations

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today launched ‘Let’s Talk Childminding’, a public consultation on new childminding regulations.

The consultation forms part of the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028 and begins with an open call for submissions.

This consultation will inform the review of the initial implementation of childminding regulations, introduced in September 2024. [The Child Care Act 1919 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Services) Regulations 2024.]

These regulations marked a significant step in formally recognising childminding within the wider early learning and childcare system. They enable childminders to register with Tusla and to participate in the National Childcare Scheme, providing access to financial supports for families and strengthening quality assurance for childminders, children and their parents.

There is currently a three-year transition period to September 2027, after which registration will move from being voluntary to mandatory.

Minister Foley said:

“Childminders are an integral part of Ireland’s early learning and childcare sector, providing flexible, home-based care that supports children, families and communities nationwide.

Following the introduction of new regulations in 2024, childminders are now able to register with Tusla. This marks an important step forward, enabling families who use childminding services to access financial supports through the National Childcare Scheme, while also providing a range of safeguards and assurances of quality.

The regulation of childminding services not only brings Ireland in line with other EU countries, but it also brings a much-needed recognition of the role of childminders, and the essential nature of their work. To protect and promote continuity into the future we must learn from the initial implementation of the regulations and ensure childminders are supported to register, and that any barriers are identified and overcome.”

The Minister committed to bringing forward the review to this year, following feedback from childminders and representative organisations, to ensure there is sufficient time to consider any changes needed before the end of the transition period.

The consultation will seek to:

  • Evaluate how the regulations are operating in practice.
  • Assess whether the regulatory model is appropriate and proportionate.
  • Examine the effectiveness of supportsavailable to childminders.
  • Identify barriers to registration and compliance.

The review will consider the experiences of childminders at all stages of engagement with the system, including those who have registered, those who are considering registration, and those who have not engaged with existing supports.

The Department will undertake an extensive programme of engagement, beginning with this open call for submissions, and followed by:

  • An online survey (to open in early July)
  • Regional focus groups
  • Stakeholder interviews
  • Case studies.

The review will independent and will conclude before the end of 2026. Its findings will inform actions to support childminders to enter and remain in the regulated sector, including any adjustments that may be required ahead of the introduction of mandatory registration in 2027.

The Department is encouraging all childminders, parents and stakeholders to take part in the consultation –

The call for submissions is open from 19 June to 20 July 2026.

Submissions can be made by email to:
Qualitydevelopment@DCDE.gov.ie

Further information on the consultation and supporting documents is available at:

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/consultations/lets-talk-childminding/

For further information about the National Action Plan for Childminding, see www.gov.ie/childminding

ENDS