The Ultimate Childcare Compliance Checklist Ireland 2026
Last updated: March 2026
One document every creche manager needs before the next Tusla or Pobal visit.
Section 1: Staffing & Ratios
Full-day and part-time services (3.5+ hours) use 1:3, 1:5, 1:6 and 1:8 by age band. Sessional services (up to 3.5 hours) use 1:3, 1:5 and 1:11. See the Tusla ratio requirements guide.
Section 2: ECCE-Specific Requirements
- Minimum 8 ECCE-eligible children per session (exemptions via form).
- Room Leader: Level 6 qualification or higher.
- Garda vetting and Children First training for all staff working with children.
- Policies and procedures (settling-in, transitions, behaviour, inclusion).
- Attendance, accident/incident logs, medication records.
- 3 hours/day, 5 days/week, 38 weeks; Síolta and Aistear in practice.
Section 3: General Tusla Must-Haves
- Up-to-date policies (15+ required)
- Staff files (qualifications, vetting, training records)
- Child files (registration, medical, permissions)
- Accident and incident procedures
- Fire safety and evacuation records