Are you planning to establish a new crèche service?
Crèche services that meet the excluding criteria specified in Regulation 4(2) of the Child Care Services Regulations 2007 may operate without a licence. To help determine whether your service will meet the exclusion use our Self-assessment form (PDF, 95kb). For further information read Unlicensed crèches (PDF, 167kb).
Importantly, all unlicensed crèche services must prominently display a notice informing parents that the service is not a licensed child care service and not subject to child care licensing requirements.
A Template Notice (PDF, 1431kb) has been developed for services to use in meeting this requirement. Alternatively, you can design your own notice.
Contact the Child Care Licensing & Standards Unit for further advice.
Setting up a Creche booklet
The Setting up a Crèche booklet (PDF, 1222kb) is a useful guide for groups wishing to establish and operate a quality crèche service. The booklet provides information about legal requirements, health and safety considerations and suggestions towards quality service provision. A list of useful contacts is included, as well as sample forms and other documents.
Important Note: The Setting up a Creche booklet was developed prior to the creation of the Department for Communities and changes in the titles of legislation the Department is responsible for administering. References to the Children and Community Services Act 2004 should be read as Child Care Services Act 2007; and Children and Community Services Regulations 2004 as the Child Care Services Regulations 2007.
PLEASE NOTE: This site is regularly updated to meet the new requirements associated with the Child Care Services Act 2007 and regulations for child care.