Childminders in Ireland, registration, ratios and the NCS subsidy

A childminder cares for children in the childminder's own home, usually in a small mixed-age group, a homely alternative to a creche. Ireland is now bringing childminders into Tusla registration. Since registration opened on 30 September 2024, parents using a Tusla-registered childminder with an NCS contract have been able to claim National Childcare Scheme (NCS) support.

Find a registered childminder near you

Find a registered childminder near you

Browse Tusla-registered childminders by county, with the town and eircode area for each.

181 registered childminders listed across 24 counties.

What a childminder is

A childminder looks after other people's children in the childminder's own home, usually in a small, mixed-age group. It is home-based care rather than a centre: your child is minded in a family setting, often by the same one person all day.

Many parents choose a childminder for the things a home setting does well:

  • A homely environment: a family home rather than a large facility.
  • Small numbers and one familiar carer, which can suit babies and children who settle better with continuity.
  • Flexibility: childminders can often cover early starts, later finishes or part-time patterns that a creche's fixed hours don't.
  • Mixed ages together, which can work well for siblings.

Childminder vs creche, how they differ

Both mind young children, but the setting and scale are different. A childminder works from home with a small group and one main carer. A creche or preschool is a larger, centre-based service with staff teams, rooms grouped by age, and set opening hours.

Neither is automatically "better", it comes down to the hours you need, how your child settles, and what's available near you. The important change is that both routes are moving onto the same footing: once a provider is registered with Tusla, families can use the NCS subsidy either way.

How many children a childminder can mind

Under the childminding regulations there are clear limits on numbers, which is one of the safeguards that comes with the new system:

  • A childminder can mind up to six children at any one time, including their own children up to the end of primary school.
  • No more than two of those children may be under 15 months old.
  • A childminder minding more than three preschool children, or more than six children in total, must register with Tusla immediately rather than during the transition period.

When you visit a childminder, ask how many children they mind and of what ages, and whether they are registered with Tusla or planning to register. It's a fair question and a good sign if they answer it comfortably.

The move to Tusla registration

Historically most childminders were outside formal regulation. The gov.ie: National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028 is changing that by bringing childminders into Tusla registration on a phased basis.

  • Since 30 September 2024, new childminding-specific regulations mean childminders can register with Tusla, including many who were previously exempt.
  • There is a three-year transition period to September 2027, during which childminders are supported to register before it becomes mandatory for those covered by the rules.
  • The regulations are being reviewed during this period, so exact details can still evolve, always check the current position.

For the official rules and the latest status, see citizensinformation.ie: Childminding and Tusla, Childminding Services.

NCS subsidy through a registered childminder

This is the big win for parents. Tusla registration is the gateway to the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). Since registration opened on 30 September 2024, families using a Tusla-registered childminder with an NCS contract have been able to claim NCS support, the same universal and income-assessed subsidies that apply at a registered creche. Before this change, using a childminder meant you generally could not access NCS at all.

  • The childminder must be registered with Tusla and have an NCS contract, if they aren't registered, you can't claim NCS for that place.
  • Both the universal subsidy (not means-tested) and the income-assessed subsidy can apply, within the scheme's age and hours rules.
  • You apply for NCS yourself and the subsidy is paid towards your childcare cost, it doesn't change how the childminder runs their service.

For how the subsidy is worked out and the live rates, use gov.ie: National Childcare Scheme.

The childminder's own tax (briefly)

A childminder's tax is their affair, not yours as a parent, but it's worth understanding. A self-employed childminder minding a small number of children in their own home may qualify for Childcare Services Relief, which can exempt childminding income below a set annual limit, provided the conditions are met and the income is declared to Revenue. There are also PRSI implications.

Childminders should confirm the current thresholds and conditions directly with Revenue, Childcare Services Relief. If you're choosing between settings, our guide to finding a creche or preschool and the NCS explainer will help you compare the real cost either way.

Frequently asked questions

What is a childminder in Ireland?

A childminder looks after other people's children in the childminder's own home for payment, usually in a small mixed-age group. It is home-based care rather than a centre, the child is minded in a family home, often with more flexible hours than a creche, and typically with the same one carer throughout the day.

What is the difference between a childminder and a creche?

A childminder works in their own home and minds a small number of children, so care is more personal and hours are often more flexible. A creche is a larger centre-based service with staff teams, defined rooms by age group and set opening hours. Both are moving into Tusla registration, and both can now offer NCS-subsidised places once registered.

Do childminders have to register with Tusla?

Registration is being introduced on a phased basis. Since 30 September 2024 childminders can register with Tusla, and there is a three-year transition period to September 2027 before registration becomes mandatory for the childminders covered by the new regulations. Childminders minding more than three preschool children, or more than six children in total, already have to register.

Can I get the NCS subsidy if I use a childminder?

Yes, if the childminder is registered with Tusla and has an NCS contract. This has been possible since childminder registration opened on 30 September 2024. Families may qualify for the universal or income-assessed NCS subsidy; if the childminder is not registered and participating in NCS, you cannot claim NCS for that placement.

How many children can a childminder mind?

Under the childminding regulations a childminder can mind up to six children at any one time, including their own children up to the end of primary school, and no more than two of those may be under 15 months. The exact limits depend on the ages of the children and the childminder's own family.

Do childminders pay tax on their income?

That is the childminder's own affair, not the parent's. A self-employed childminder minding a small number of children in their own home may qualify for Childcare Services Relief, which exempts childminding income below a set annual limit once conditions are met and the income is declared to Revenue. Childminders should check the current rules with Revenue.

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Last reviewed 15 September 2026. This guide is general information to help you plan, it is not official advice. Scheme rules, dates and amounts can change, so always confirm the current details with the relevant scheme or with your child's school before you rely on them.