TUSLA registration:

If you would like to open an early years service you need to complete the registration process before any children can attend. It is a legal requirement for all services proposing to operate to submit an application under section 58D(2) of The Child and Family Agency Act 2013, at least 3 months before it is intended to commence operation. 

Click here to view information for new providers

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth published the Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning and Care Settings in 2016. These guidelines apply to both new-build and retrofit projects to ensure that all settings are accessible, understandable and easy to use for all children, staff, families and visitors. Universal Design Guidelines - Access and Inclusion Model (aim.gov.ie)
 

 

What about planning permission? 

• Galway County Council

• Galway City Council

Setting up a business:

You need to be aware of all your legal requirements when setting up a childcare service. This is a business, you will need to consider if you will be a sole trader or a company. You will then become an employer.
Follow the link to citizen’s information.

• Citizens information

 For more information about setting up a Childcare service, please contact us on 091-752039 or mail@galwaychildcare.com. 
 

Meeting the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016

The Early Years Inspectorate has developed a Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF), to support registered Early Years Services to comply with the Early Years Services 2016 Regulations, bringing together evidence-based, national and international research and best practice in Early Years. Early Years Quality and Regulatory FrameworkTusla - Child and Family Agency

Developing policies, procedures and statements

Tusla have developed a practical guide to assist services with developing policies, procedures and statements and a series of sample policies and templates both as Gaeilge and in English to meet the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016..
 

Developing Policies, Procedures and Statements in Early Childhood Education and Care Services: A Practical Guide

Beartais, Nósanna Imeachta agus Ráitis a Fhorbairt I Seirbhísí Oideacha agus Chúram na Luath-Óige Treoir Phraiticiúil

How to use the sample Policies and Templates.  | Conas na Samplaí agus Teimpléid Pholasaí a Úsáid
The samples/templates offer an additional support to the information provided on the core requirements in the appendices of the Tusla: Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF). It is essential that you refer to the QRF when writing and reviewing any of your policies, procedures and statements.

Services operating fully or mostly outdoors

The primary purpose of When the Roof is the Sky document EYI-GDE12.65_When_the_Roof_is_the_Sky_.pdf  is to provide guidance to those services operating fully or mostly outdoors on meeting the requirements as currently set out in the Early Years Service Regulations (2016) and/or Registration of School Age Services Regulations (2018). Later versions of this guidance will include more detailed information for those providers who are operating blended services.
 
Qualifications
You may need to visit the DCEDIY website to check your qualifications. If your early childhood care and education qualification does not appear on the list you may apply to have it assessed for approval by following the processes as outlined at gov.ie - Recognition of an Early Years Qualification
 
For more information about setting up a Childcare service, please contact us on 091-752039 or mail@galwaychildcare.com.