Frequently Asked Questions
Childcare
What legislation applies to this particular area?
Childcare facilities are required to comply with the following legislation:
- Childcare Act 1991
- Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations 2006 & Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No 2) (Amendment) Regulations 2006
- Food Hygiene Legislation including - EC (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2006; Regulation EC No. 852/04 Hygiene of Foodstuffs
- Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 – 2004
What is the role of the EHO in this area?
The HSE is responsible for inspecting pre-schools, play groups, nurseries, crèches, day-care and similar services which cater for children aged 0-6, under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006.
In general Childcare/ Pre-school facilities are inspected by a team of inspectors. This inspection team in the main consists of an Environmental Health Officer and a Public Health Nurse.
The Environmental Health Officer ensures that the standards outlined in the Childcare (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 2006 are achieved and maintained so as to ensure the health, safety and welfare of pre-school children and to promote their development.
EHO’s advise on and inspect the suitability of pre-schools under the following headings:
- Space Requirements
- Premises and Facilities and Services
- Heating, Ventilation and Lighting
- Sanitary Accommodation and Nappy Changing Facilities
- Sleeping Accommodation
- Outdoor Play
- Safety of Equipment and Materials
- Food Hygiene and Water Quality
- Fire Safety
- Tobacco Control
How do I make a complaint regarding a particular area?
Members of the public can contact their local Pre-school officer or Environmental Health Officer if they have any queries or complaints regarding pre-school premises. Details in writing may be requested regarding pre-school complaints. Details of local pre-school offices can be located on www.hse.ie under the ‘Children and Family Services’ link. A full list of EHO offices is available on this website.
Where will I get additional advice about a particular topic?
Your local County Council planning office should be contacted to ensure the premises has the appropriate planning permission.
Your local Preschool Officer and Environmental Health Officer can be contacted prior to opening a child care facility to offer advice on design and layout of the premises and ensuring that the service meets all the requirements of the Childcare (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 2006. Your local EHO can also offer advice on the layout and design of the kitchen facilities required for the extent of catering provided in the service.
Voluntary bodies such as the National Children’s Nursery Association, Irish Preschool Play Association and Barnardos offer support and advice to members and pre-school providers.
Fire Safety Officers in your local County Councils may offer advice on requirements under the Fire Services Act 1981. Refer to Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government publication ‘Fire Safety in Pre-Schools’ (A Guide to Fire Safety in Premises used in Pre-school Services) for further information on fire safety requirements.
Useful web links
www.hse.ie
www.ncna.net
www.childminding.ie
www.ippa.ie
www.barnardos.ie
www.naionrai.ie
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