Support, Grants and Start up
Childminding Development Grant
The main financial support is the Childminding Development Grant, which offers up to€1,000 to purchase toys, safety equipment, learning materials, or certain IT resources, and isopen to both current and prospective childminders, with up to 75% available in advance toease start-up costs.
Local City and County Childcare Committees provide hands-on guidance through dedicatedChildminding Development Officers who help with training, meeting regulatory requirements,and applying for grants.
For more on these Grants keep an eye on our website Homepage or Facebook for informationin relation to any Grants announced.
Learner Bursary Fund
The Learner Fund Bursary for Childminders offers a financial “top-up” to those who have recently completed a
recognised early-years qualification and are registered with Tusla as a childminding service. To qualify, childminders
must hold a Level 5 or Level 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or, a Level 7 or 8 award if on the
approved list for early learning and care courses. The bursary amount is currently €1,000, intended to support newly
qualified childminders as they transition into practice.
Learner Bursary Fund
The Learner Fund Bursary for Childminders offers a financial “top-up” to those who have recently completed a
recognised early-years qualification and are registered with Tusla as a childminding service. To qualify, childminders
must hold a Level 5 or Level 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or, a Level 7 or 8 award if on the
approved list for early learning and care courses. The bursary amount is currently €1,000, intended to support newly
qualified childminders as they transition into practice.
