The Early Years Inspectorate is responsible for inspecting pre-schools, play groups, day nursery, crèches, day-care and similar services which cater for children aged 0-6 years. The inspectorate also regulates School Age Services.
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate promote the safety, quality of care and the support of children in early year’s services.
What they do
– Assessing applications for registration
– Inspecting registered services. Inspections are nearly always unannounced (no advance notice is given).
– Each service receives a report following the inspection. This report is published.
Tusla – Child and Family Agency has responsibility for promoting and monitoring the safety and quality of care and the support of children in early year’s services. They do this by ensuring that Tusla registered early years services comply with the relevant laws and Regulations.
It is important to note that in addition to Tusla’s Early Years Inspectorate, the Department of Education also undertakes inspections of early years services. These inspections are focused on the quality of the nature, range and appropriateness of the early educational experiences for children. You can find out more about these inspections on the Department of Education Early years Education Inspections website.
If you are a parent who uses or wants to use an early years service for your child, you will find lots of information on the website to help you make your decision including the register of early years services, most recent inspection reports, and information and tips on what to look for when choosing a service. You will also find information on who to contact if you have a complaint or concern about an early years service, and information about Tusla’s role as regulator, as well as general news and updates.
If you are thinking about establishing an early years service, you will find specific information and guidance on what you need to do and how to do it.
Inspections of Early Learning and Care settings – Information leaflet for parents
Guidance for the Early Learning and Care sector on sleep provision for children under 24 months
