Once your child starts primary school in Ireland, you swap the creche question for the after-school one. Here are your options and what they cost in 2026.
Types of after-school care
- Afterschool clubs attached to a creche or school (2:30–6:00)
- Childminders who collect from school
- Nannies in your home for the school-run + evening
- Au pairs — young adults from abroad living with you
- Informal family care — grandparents, other family
Average costs
- Afterschool club: €280–€450/month for 3 hours a day
- Childminder (school collect + 3 hours): €300–€500/month per child
- Nanny (after-school only, 3–4 hours/day): €900–€1,300/month
- Au pair: €120–€150/week pocket money + full board
Ages covered
Most afterschool services cover Junior Infants to 6th class (4–12 years). Some cap at 8 years.
Collection from school
Check exactly who collects, how they get there (walk vs minibus), and what happens on early-close days and school events.
Homework supervision
Some clubs and childminders supervise homework; others don't. Agree it up front — homework in first class is 15 minutes, but by fourth class it's 45.
Does NCS apply?
Yes — the NCS runs up to age 15 for after-school care in Tusla-registered services. Read our NCS application guide.
What to look for
- Garda-vetted staff and clear ratios (1:10 is typical for 4–8s)
- A snack policy
- Homework arrangements
- Outdoor play every day
- Clear late-collection fees
Questions to ask
What's a typical afternoon? How do you handle friendship issues? What happens on school holidays and half-terms? Do you close on the same days as the school?