What is Garda Vetting?

A Garda vetting application authorises An Garda Síochána to furnish a statement to the applicant (i.e. the Childminder, who has applied for vetting as the owner of the Childminding Service) that there are no convictions recorded against her in the Republic of Ireland or elsewhere, or a statement of all convictions and/or prosecutions, successful or not, pending or completed, in the State or elsewhere as the case may be.

How do I apply for Garda vetting?

Garda vetting for Childminders is organised through Barnardos. You can contact Barnardos vetting service in the following ways:-

• By phone: (021) 454 70 60

• By email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Website: www.barnardos.ie

• Address: Barnardos’ Vetting Service, Blackmore House, Meade Street, Cork

How much does it cost to be Garda vetted?

The service is free. However, if you have lived abroad for any period you will be required to submit information pertaining to the relevant jurisdiction with your application. Costs accrued regarding accessing that information will be borne by you.

How long does the vetting process take?

Vetting takes approximately 8 weeks. This time will be extended in the event that insufficient or wrong information is included on the application.

Is Garda vetting compulsory for Childminders?

Under the 2006 Childcare Pre-School Services Regulations, it is compulsory for all Tulsa notified Childminders – those minding four or more non-related pre-school children – and their employees/assistants to be Gárda vetted.

As a Childminder, can I apply for Garda vetting for myself?

Yes. Simply complete the vetting form with Barnardos and sign it in the space marked Manager / owner. If you are not required to notify your childminding service to Tulsa, you and other adults (18years and over), living in the family home can still apply for vetting.

What happens if I, or a member of my family, have a conviction?

A statement is returned to you from the Garda vetting unit with details any conviction/prosecutions. The Barnardos Vetting Service only refers a disclosure to Tulsa where there is cause for concern in relation to the welfare of children.

Information

Childminders will receive information via email from Offaly County Childcare Committee. Childminder Publications such as 'National Guidelines for Childminders', 'Childminder Newsletters', 'Information Leaflets' and 'Childminder's Support Pack' are developed and / or purchased for Childminders in order to support them.

Networking

Childminders are invited to attend the Childcare Forum which meets three times a year. Topics at the Forum are discussed in small groups and childminders have the opportunity to form their own groups within the Forum. Forum meetings give childminders the opportunity to network with other childminders for support. Forum meetings are held once every term. For details on the next Forum please contact Offaly County Childcare Committee.

Professional Development Workshops 

Offaly County Childcare Committee periodically organises workshops, to meet the needs of the childcare sector, which childminders can avail of as follows:-

• Pre-Registeration Training 
• Always Children First Child Safeguarding Awarenness Training
• NSAI Training
• Financial Planning
• Themed Workshop

To be notified of these workshops, childminders should notify the County Childcare Committee voluntarily of the fact that they are delivering childcare supports and therefore will be added to the mailing list.

For details on upcoming networking events, please see the Training Calendar or contact Offaly County Childcare Committee on 057 9135878.

I would like to register as a Childminder

If you would like to register as a childminder you will need to complete the registration process. 

The application process involves a number of steps which include:

1. Pre-registration training

You need to attend and complete a pre-registration training course with Offaly County Childcare Committee.  Contact Gillian on 057 9135878 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information. 

2. Application Documents

You need to make sure you have all the required documents ready for registration.

• Garda and Police Vetting for you and emergency person

• Two references

• Proof of identity

• Copy of insurance certificate

• Certificates for
• Pre-Registration Training
• First Aid Training
• Children First Training

3. Submit your application

You need to submit your application on the new Tusla Portal making sure you include all required documents and information and pay the registration fee. You can access the portal at https://childminding.tusla.ie/ 

You can find guidance documents to support you with your application on Tulsa's resources page resources page. 

4. Application Assessment

A desktop assessment will be completed by the Early Years Inspectorate's Registration Team

5. Pre-registration Assessment

A pre-registration assessment will take place in your home.

The date and time will be agreed with you.  Read the Guide to Pre-Registration Assessments for Childminders on the resources page for further information.

6. Follow Up

If any requirements are not met, you will be advised of this and you will need to tell the inspectorate what actions you will take to correct them.

If there are elements of the report you disagree with you can request that these are reviewed.

7. Report

You will receive a copy of your finalised report once you are registered.

8. Registration

Once everything is complete, you will receive your Certificate of Registration, your report will be published, and you will be added to the childminding register.

You can download a graphic which clearly shows this process.

You can always check the Childminder Frequently Asked Questions

Some Resource Templates for Childminders

The following templates may be of use to Childminders in establishing basic records for a childminding service.

Should you require further infortmation or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Gillian on 057-9135878.

Guidelines on Planning a Childminding Business in your home V2	Childminding Sample Policies and Proceduers	Childminding Sample Record Keeping Forms

Tusla Resources

Childminder Development Grant

Applications for the CMDG are now CLOSED for 2025

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS WAS FRIDAY 4th APRIL 2025 

If you would like any details about setting up as a childminder please contact Gillian on 057 9135878

Details listed on page 2 regarding the grant are for information purposes only.   👉

Minister Norma Foley, has announced the opening of the 2025 Childminding Development Grant.

Click here to download the: Childminding Development Grant Applicant Guidelines	Click here to download the: Childminding Development Grant Application Form	Click here to download the: Childminding Development Grant FAQ 2025

What is a Childminder Development Capital Grant (CMDG)?
The CMDG is a small capital grant designed to assist existing and potential childminders to enhance safety and quality in their childminding service. This includes eligible items required to meet regulations or that may have arisen during a pre-registration assessment.

What funding is available under the CMDG?
A grant of up to €1,000 is available to childminders. Childminders can apply for the full Childminding Development Grant amount every year, but only certain items may be purchased on an annual basis. (See eligible expenditure below and FAQ document). If the CMDG national budget is oversubscribed, an applicant may receive a lesser amount than applied for. Successful applicants are paid 75% of the grant in advance, and up to the remaining 25% is paid in arrears. Following the submission and approval of the CMDG Expenditure Report and receipts for up to the full amount granted, the CCC will inform the successful childminder as to the balance up to 25% that will be paid. (See FAQs for further details).

Restricted applications
Childminders can apply for up to €1,000 annually. However, due to the expected lifespan of larger capital items, these cannot be purchased annually. Please see eligible expenditure list and FAQ document for further details.

Who is eligible to apply for the funding?
All existing or potential childminders.

What supporting application documentation is required?
• Fully completed application form.
• Evidence of appropriate childminding insurance. (Submit a copy of the schedule of insurance. Insurance must be in date at the time of application).
• Copy of Tusla Children First E-Learning Programme certificate (Must be dated within last 3 years).
• Current Tax Clearance Certificate (see FAQ for further details).

What can the CMDG be used for?
The CMDG can be used to purchase items that enhance safety and quality in the childminding service. The 2025 CMDG also includes provision for purchase of certain IT equipment, subject to conditions. The following list gives examples of the different types of costs that are eligible and ineligible for the grant. If you are unsure of eligible spend, contact Offaly County Childcare Committee for support.

To find out more please contact Gillian between Tuesday and Thursdays as follows:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 057 9135878/ 085 1703772

 What is a Childminder / Childminding service? 

The National Action Plan for Childminding

The National Action Plan for Childminding is a pathway to be developed over the next 8 uears that sets out steps towards regulation, support and subsidies, for all paid, non-relative childminders.  The Action Plan will involve change and significant benefits for childminders, children and the families using their services. 

The aim of the Action Plan is to provide greater recognition for childminding and to support childminders in their work of providing high quality early learning and care and school age childcare, thus supporting child development and learning outcomes and helping families.

The new childminding webpage www.gov.ie/childminding is now live. On the website you can find the following information;

• National Action Plan for Childminding (2021 to 2028)
• Information for childminders on the National Action Plan for Childminding (2021 to 2028)
• Information for parents on the National Action Plan for Childminding (2021 to 2028)
• Covid Guidance
• Link to National Action Plan for Childminding (2021 to 2028) Facebook page

Website:
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/df207-national-action-plan-for-childminding-2021-2028/

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/nationalactionplanforchildminding

YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCbDzj7-W-ptvqOFk0ysiYQ