Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006
Irish law provides for the regulation and inspection of pre-school childcare services. Under the Child Care Act 1991, each health board in Ireland is obliged to assure the health, safety and welfare of pre-school children attending services in their area. The Department of Health & Children has responsibility for ensuring adaptation and developing policy in this area. The Health Service Executive is required to audit and regulate pre-school child care. Preschool providers are required under law to notify their health board Preschool Officer before opening their service.
Inspection and Notification
The Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006 outline the standards of health, safety and welfare that must be in place before care services can commence in any facility. The regulations cover fundamental areas such as child/adult ratios, premises and facilities, child/floor space ratios, ventilation, sanitation, food, safety measures, facilities for rest and play, insurance and discipline.
The HSE is responsible for inspecting pre-schools, play groups, nurseries, crèches, day-care and similar services which cater for children aged 0-6, under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006. Pre-school children in Ireland are characterised by law as children under 6 years of age, who are not attending a national school or equivalent.
Click here to download the latest (2006) pre school regulations
Links & Resources
Department of Health and Children
The Department of Health and Children's statutory role is to support the Minister in the formulation and evaluation of policies for the health services. more »
Health Service Executive
The HSE is responsible for providing health and personal social services to everyone living in Ireland. more »
Childcare Regulations
These regulations set down the high standards of health, safety and welfare that must be in place before care services can commence in any facility. more »
Different types of pre-school childcare services in Ireland:
Full day care: This is a structured day care service for pre-school children for more than 5 hours per day.
Part-time day care: This is a structured day care service for pre-school children for a total of more than 3.5 hours and less than 5 hours per day.
Sessional Services: Services offer a planned programme for up to 3.5 hours per session (i.e. morning or afternoon care). Providers include playgroups, crèches, Montessori, playschools, and afterschool services. Generally, children catered for, include those in the 2-6 years age bracket. However, younger children may also be catered for.
Childminders: A childminder cares for a small group of children of mixed ages in a ‘home from home’ setting. Childminders offer a flexible service, tailored to each child, thereby helping parents and guardians to balance their work and family commitments. A childminder negotiates and agrees the terms with parents.
Drop-in Centres: This type of service offers day care which is used exclusively on an intermittent basis. Often provided in shopping centres, leisure centres, and accommodation facilities.