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.

Pre-school services are play groups, day nurseries, crèches, day-care and similar services which cater for children aged 0-6 years.

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.

2025 Registration Renewal

The 2025 Registration Renewal Cycle begins in March 2025 and will cover 4,315 Pre-School and School Age Services.

To prepare, please check your service's registration status and update any required documentation in advance.

You can find your registration date on your current certificate or via the registers:

Pre-School Services: Link
School Age Services: Link

Required documents:

Signed declaration form
Current, valid insurance certificate
Garda vetting for the Registered Provider and Person in Charge (PIC), dated within 36 months of submission. For corporate bodies, garda vetting is also needed for all directors.

You will receive a notification two months before your renewal date to upload documents and pay the renewal fee.

More details will follow soon. For additional information, visit this link.

Changes to Garda Vetting for Early Years Services

Starting 1 February 2025, Tusla will manage Garda Vetting for registered providers of early years services as outlined in Part VIIA of the Child Care Act 1991 (as amended).

Who Can Apply for Vetting through Tusla?

Registered Providers of:
- Early Years Services
- School Age Care Services
- Childminders
- Chairs of Boards of Management for community providers
Applicants for registration in any of the above categories

Other staff

Vetting for volunteers and staff will continue to be managed by Early Childhood Ireland.
Barnardo’s will cease providing vetting services on 31 January 2025.

Transition Details

We are developing a new vetting application portal, with more details to follow here on the website soon.Paste
We will provide additional detail and specific information about how the process will work in the new year.
Vetting completed before 1 February 2025 for childcare purposes will remain valid.



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