What to expect from an early years service
Every parent/guardian wants their child to be safe and happy in the service. Parents/guardians want their child’s holistic development to be supported in a nurturing and encouraging environment of care, where each child’s curiosity and interest are developed and extended through play.
Tusla registered early years services are required to:
- Safeguard the health, safety and welfare of children attending the service
- Comply with early years legislation and regulations
As a parent or guardian you can expect that:
- Your child will be safe and happy in the service
- Your child’s development and learning will be supported in a nurturing environment
- The early learning and care service is well managed
In order to keep children safe, there are number of regulations that services must follow, such as:
- Children are supervised at all times
- There is a person qualified in first aid
- There are child protection policies and practices in place
- All risks are assessed and dealt with, for example, safe sleep, infection control and safe drop off and collection procedures
- Fire safety measures are in place
- The service is adequately insured
As parent /guardian you can expect the Health Welfare and development of your child is supported and promoted in the service:
- Your child’s need for food, drink, rest, sleep, quiet time, nappy changing, toileting, personal care and mobility is supported
- Positive relationships and interactions between children, adults and families are supported
- Cultural diversity is valued
- Children’s individual strengths, needs and preferences are supported
- Childrens curiosity and creativity is supported through play
- Children are supported to take risks, explore and think, have quiet time and play with their friends both indoors and outdoors every day
- Children are supported in their transitions – for example, coming to and going from the service, changing activities, moving to other groups and progressing to primary school
- Children are welcomed, are secure and enjoy being engaged in their play and learning
As a parent /Guardian you can expect that the service is well managed. An early years service provider is required to have the following:
- The most recent Tusla inspection report is available
- There is a person in charge always on the premises
- Staff including childminders have Garda vetting (and police vetting if required) and references.
- Childminder/staff are qualified
- The correct adult / child ratios are in place
- A clear process for managing complaints and accidents and incidents
- Up to date policies and procedures
The early years premises must be safe, suitable and appropriate for the care and education of children. As a parent /guardian you can expect that:
- The premises is well maintained both indoors and outdoors
- The premises are clean and bright with natural light and good ventilation.
- The rooms are at a comfortable temperature for rest and play
- There are suitable sleep/rest arrangements in place and each child under 2 years has access to a cot to sleep /rest
