Early Years Inspectorate - School-Age Services

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 ‘school age service’ is 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 a school age service for your child, you will find lots of information here to help you make your decision including the register 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 a school age service, and information about the Early Years Inspectorate’s role as regulator, as well as general news and updates.

If you work in a pre-school service either as a registered provider or in any other role, 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.

We have created a short video to support school age providers in preparing for an inspection of a school age service.  

If you are thinking about establishing a school age service, you will find specific information and guidance on what you need to do and how to do it.

061 440602	newapplications.eyi@tusla.ie