Registration System of Early Years Services

Notice of introduction of Registration System of Early Years Services.

The Child and Family Agency Act 2014 was enacted on the 1st January 2014.

PART 12 of the Child and Family Act 2014 makes an amendment to part VII of the Child Care Act 1991 by the insertion of “PART VIIA”: Supervision of Early Years Services.

What does Registration mean?

Registration essentially replaces the current notification model with a pre-approval model.  This legislation serves to introduce and implement the registration of early year’s services on a statutory basis, replacing the current notification system.

This enactment makes it illegal to operate an early year’s service that has not been registered, and offers a range of enforcement options to the regulator without recourse to the courts.  This will mean that services will not be permitted to commence operation until approved to do so by the registration body.

What does this amendment mean for current Early Years Service Providers?

Services who are notified under the current system of regulation will be under transitional arrangements contained within the legislation considered as registered once operational on January 1st, 2014.

Such services will be required in time to re-register, and arrangements for same will be duly advised.

How will service providers intending to commence operation in 2014 be affected?

The enactment of this legislation means that new services opening in 2014 and onwards will not be permitted to commence operation until approved to do so by the registration body once registration has commenced.

All new services intending to establish in 2014 will receive a pre registration (advisory) visit prior to the Initial Inspection of the service.

New services opening since January 2014 continue to complete the notification form until the regulations are revised. Any amendment to the regulations and consequent changes will be advised to the service provider.

In addition The Agency is moving  towards the development of a standards based inspection model which  will enhance both the quality of service provision and the care and welfare outcomes for children who attend.The Agency will consult with services and representative bodies as the Registration system is implemented to ensure that the system is robust, transparent and effective. There is no immediate change to current inspection practice.

What fees due for 2014?

The Child and Family Agency is not yet requesting payment of the fees due for 2014. 

The DCYA are revising the fees in line with the legislation and the introduction of a registration system. The annual registration fee will be collected this year when the fee structure is announced by DCYA.  Providers will be advised of the annual fee required for their service in advance of the due date of payment which is anticipated will be in the Autumn 2014.