Tusla

Early Years Inspectorate

Welcome to Tusla’s Early Years Inspectorate.

The Early Years Inspectorate is the statutory regulatory of early years services in Ireland. Regulation includes registration, inspection and, where necessary, enforcement. Early years services include; pre-school services, school-age services and childminding services.

A childminder who is paid to look after other people’s children. This does not include those that only look after relative’s children. Childminders work in their own home and they work alone.
Pre-School Services

Play groups, day nursery, crèches, day-care and similar services which cater for children aged 0-6 years. 
School Age Services

Any early years service, play group, day nursery, crèche, day-care or other similar service which;

  • Caters for children under the age of 15 years enrolled in a school providing primary or post primary education.
  • Provides a range of activities that are developmental, educational and recreational in manner, which take place outside of school hours, the primary purpose of which is to care for children where their parents are unavailable.
  • The basis for access to which is made publicly known to the parents and guardians of the children.

If you are a parent who uses or wants to use any of the above early years services for your child, you will find lots of information here to help you make your decision including registers of early years services, most recent inspection reports, and information and tips on what to look for when choosing a service. You will also find information on who to contact if you have a complaint or concern about any of the above types of early years service, and information about Tusla’s role as regulator, as well as general news and updates.

If you work in any of the above types of early years service, either as a registered provider or in any other role including operating as a childminder, you will find helpful information including guidance documents, webinars, templates and forms that will help you, as well as regular updates and links to other resources, 

If you are thinking about establishing one of the above types of early years service, you will find specific information and guidance on what you need to do and how to do it.