Notification of Childcare Services to the HSE

The Child Care Act 1991 provides for the regulation and inspection of childcare services which cater for pre-school children in Ireland. Under Irish law a ‘Pre-school Child is a child who is under six years of age and who is not attending a national school or a school providing education similar to a national school.’

Pre-school Childcare Services Statutorily required to Notify:

Pre-school, Playgroup, Naionra
Day Nurseries, Crèches
Childminders
Or similar type service caring for pre-school children
The Child Care (Pre-school Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006
The Child Care (Pre-school Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 were made under the Child Care Act 1991. These regulations require all Childcare services to provide specific information to the HSE. The HSE provides an Advisory Service and an Inspection Service for all Childcare Providers including Childminders who are statutorily required to notify. Information on Statutory Notification of Childminders

Legal Requirements under the Child Care (Pre-school Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006
The Child Care (Pre-school Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 outline legal requirements in relation to:

The Health, Welfare and Development of the Child
First Aid and Medical Assistance
Management and Staffing
Behaviour Management
Record Keeping
Fire Safety Measures
Premises and Facilities - Heating, Ventilation, Lighting, Sanitary Accommodation and Waste Storage and Disposal
Equipment and Materials
Food and Drink
Safety
Facilities for Rest and Play
Insurance
Inspection
For further information on the Notification of Childcare Services to the HSE please contact the HSE Mid-Western Area Pre-school Inspection and Information Service on 061 48 35 92 or www.hse.ie 

Barnardos produce a booklet entitled ‘A Parent’s Guide to the Child Care (Pre-school Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006’ which can be obtained directly from Barnardos on 01 45 30 35 5 or ncrc@barnardos.ie  `