Tusla — the Child and Family Agency is the regulator for early-years services in Ireland. Every Tusla-registered creche is inspected against the Early Years (Pre-school) Regulations.
How often?
Inspections are usually every 12–24 months, plus follow-ups if issues are flagged. Reports are public.
Where to find reports
Search the provider name on tusla.ie. Inspection reports are PDFs and tend to be 8–15 pages long.
What to look for
- Compliant / Substantially compliant / Not compliant against each regulation. A handful of "substantially compliant" entries is normal.
- Safeguarding and welfare — should be fully compliant.
- Staff Garda vetting and qualifications.
- Premises and equipment.
- Action plan — how the creche responded to any issues.
An older report with mostly compliant findings and a clear action plan is usually a good sign. Several "not compliant" findings on safeguarding deserve a frank conversation with the manager.