Early Years Inspectorate - Pre-School Services

The Early Years Inspectorate is the statutory regulator 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 pre-school service is an early childhood care and education service catering for children aged 0-6years who are not attending school. A pre-school can be delivered as a sessional service up to 3.5hrs a day, or be a part-time day-care service where children attend for up to 5 hrs or be full day care where they attend for longer. A pre-school can also be based in a drop-in centre, an over-night service, or operate as a temporary service. They may be more commonly known as playschool, naíonra, or creche. Childminders are not considered a pre-school.

If you are a parent who uses or wants to use a pre-school 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 pre-school 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, 

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

	061 440600		061 440602
	ey.reception@tusla.ie		newapplications.eyi@tusla.ie
	061 440603		061 440604
	cic.eyi@tusla.ie		registration.renewal@tusla.ie