The National Action Plan 2021-2028

The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028 is the Irish Government’s long-term strategy to bring childminders into the mainstream of early-years services through phased supports, regulation, and professional recognition. The plan aims to improve safety, quality and access for families while respecting the unique home-based nature of childminding.

It sets out a seven-year pathway that includes developing new childminding-specific regulations (introduced in 2024), creating tailored training and qualification routes, supporting childminders to meet regulatory requirements, and enabling families who use registered childminders to access public subsidies such as the National Childcare Scheme.

A major focus is ensuring changes are introduced gradually and in partnership with childminders, with financial, training and advisory supports provided throughout the transition.

Overall, the plan seeks to strengthen and sustain childminding as a valued, professional and family-friendly childcare option across Ireland by 2028.