How to Choose a Crèche in Ireland

Check That the Facility Is Tusla-Registered

All early years services in Ireland that care for children aged 0–6 must be registered with Tusla — Child and Family Agency. Registration means the service has met minimum standards for health, safety, and child welfare.

Every facility listed on Find a Crèche is Tusla-registered. You can browse by county or town to find registered services near you.

What to Look for During a Visit

Visiting a crèche in person is the best way to get a feel for the environment. Here are some things to observe:

• Cleanliness and safety — Is the space clean, tidy, and well-maintained? Are there visible safety measures like stair gates, secure outdoor areas, and child-proofed furniture?
• Staff interaction— Do staff seem warm, attentive, and engaged with the children? Are they at the children's level, talking and listening to them?
• Adult-to-child ratios — Are there enough staff for the number of children? Tusla sets minimum ratios based on age group.
• Activities and learning — Is there a mix of structured activities and free play? Are there age-appropriate toys, books, and learning materials?
• Outdoor space — Do children have access to a safe, enclosed outdoor play area?
• Atmosphere — Do the children seem happy and settled? Trust your instincts about the overall feel of the place.

Questions to Ask a Crèche

• What are your opening hours and is there flexibility?
• What are your fees and what's included?
• Do you participate in the ECCE (free preschool) scheme?
• What is your settling-in process for new children?
• What are your policies on illness, allergies, and dietary requirements?
• How do you communicate with parents (daily reports, app, etc.)?
• What qualifications do staff have?
• What is your approach to discipline and behaviour management?
• Can I see your most recent Tusla inspection report?

Check Tusla Inspection Reports

Tusla carries out regular inspections of all registered early years services. Inspection reports are public and cover areas like health and welfare, safety, staffing, and governance. You can view inspection reports for any facility on Find a Crèche — just search for the facility and look for the inspection section on its page.

For more on what inspections mean, see our guide to understanding Tusla inspections.

Consider the Practical Details

• Location— Is it close to home, work, or your child's future school? Consider the daily commute.
• Hours — Do the opening hours match your work schedule? Is there a late collection policy?
• Cost — What are the fees? Are there any government subsidies you can avail of? See our guide to childcare costs in Ireland.
• Age range— Does the facility cater to your child's age group? Some crèches take babies from 3 months; others start from 12 months or older.
• Waiting lists— Popular crèches may have long waiting lists. It's worth enquiring early, especially for baby places.

Types of Childcare in Ireland

Different services suit different needs. Common types include:

• Full day care — Typically 8+ hours, suitable for working parents. Caters to babies through to preschool age.
• Sessional/preschool — Usually 3–4 hours per session. Often aligned with the ECCE free preschool year.
• Childminding— Care in a childminder's home. May be registered or exempt depending on numbers.
• School-age childcare — Before and after school care, and during school holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions