What to look for?
Regulation of pre-school child care services is set out in the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and (Amendment) 1997 and 2006 . These regulations set down the standards of health, safety and welfare that must be in place before care services can be provided. The regulations cover areas such as child/adult ratios, premises and facilities, floor space, ventilation, sanitation, food, safety measures, facilities for rest and play, insurance and corporal punishment.
In the case of childminders, only those looking after four or more children (not their own) have to operate under the regulation and inspection process of the Department of Health & Children. Childminders who care for fewer children can make a voluntary notification to the Childminder Advisory Officer working in the health board or city childcare committee.
Citizens Information, the government website gives an excellent overview of the basic requirements which have to be met. You can check with the Health Service Executive whether a particular provider is registered or not and they should be able to provide you with a listing of registered premises in your area.
Local authorities provide guidelines for the development of childcare facilities – "Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Childcare Facilities" published by the Department of the Environment in 2001. To download these please click on the link below.
Guidelines for Childcare Facilities
Local authorities provide guidelines for the development of childcare facilities, 'Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Childcare Facilities' published by the Department of the Environment