Childminders urged to apply for €1,000 grant to help them buy equipment

Applications for the 2025 childminding development grant open today and close on Friday, April 4.

Childminders are being encouraged to avail of grant funding to buy toys, high chairs, and other equipment for children.

Up to €1,000 in payments is now available to 13,000 registered and unregistered childminders who are providing a childminding service in their own homes.

Children’s Minister Norma Foley said the childminding development grant aims to support childminders to enhance quality and safety in their service through the purchase of toys, childcare equipment, safety equipment, and equipment to support inclusion and science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths education.

The grant also covers IT equipment to assist childminders to engage with training and registration processes.

The grant scheme is open to all childminders, including those who are planning to open a childminding business during 2025. 

Three-quarters of funding paid in advance

Three-quarters of the funding is paid in advance to help childminders with the upfront costs of purchasing equipment.

Ms Foley said: “Childminders play an essential part in the provision of childcare in all parts of the country, and I am fully committed to recognising and supporting their important role, and to following through on the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028.

“I encourage childminders to avail of this funding opportunity, whether they are already registered or would like support in advance of registration over the next couple of years. 

"The Childminding Development Grant provides funding for quality and safety equipment and can also be used to contribute to IT equipment.” 

A total budget of €500,000 has been allocated for this year’s round of grants.

Ms Foley said it reflects the Government’s commitment to support childminders to prepare for registration with Tusla.

In line with the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, regulations written specifically for childminders came into effect for the first time last September, making it possible for all childminders to register with Tusla and take part in the National Childcare Scheme.

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Up to now, 74 childminders have registered and a further 150 have completed pre-registration training, which is a necessary step prior to registration. However, the vast majority remain unregistered.

Those childminders who were previously exempt from regulation have a three-year transition period until 2027 during which they are now able to register with Tusla but are not yet required to do so. 

Applications for the 2025 childminding development grant open today and close on Friday, April 4.