The requirements for Home-based Child Care facilities are included in the National Standards for Child Day Care Facilities’ (2006). The regulating authority is the Directorate for Quality and Standards In Education within the Ministry for Education. The provision of this service is very limited, so much so, that in November 2020 there was just one such facility registered. This Home-based Child Care facility participates in the Free Childcare for All scheme under the same conditions that apply for Child Care Centres. The education guidelines for Childcare Centres equally apply for Home-based facilities. 

Requirements for childminders and child ratios

The carer must be 21 years or over and in possession of a recognised level of training and education in childcare; The ‘National Standards for Child Day Care Facilities’ (2006) require that child carers should have a minimum Level 4 MQF (ISCED 4) qualification. Requirements for a child carer also includes a First Aid certificate; a current detailed Police Conduct Certificate and two-character references. Any other adults residing at the ‘home-based’ facility are required to submit a detailed Police Conduct Certificate.

Child to carer ratio

One child carer for up to six children under the age of 36 months including his/her own children and only one of the children can be under the age of 18 months. It is recommended that another adult/carer is to be available as a reliever.