Number of childminders who claim State funding to expand under minister's plan 

Childminders will only be allowed to look after a maximum of six children at any one time under the September 2024 regulations, and only two of those can be aged under 15 months

'All paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes can now register with Tusla and access the national childcare scheme,' a spokesperson for the Department of Children said. Picture:iStock

The children's minister is examining a plan to expand the number of childminders who receive core State funding in a bid to encourage formal registrations.

Following the commencement of regulations in 2024, childminders can now register with Tusla and take part in the national childcare scheme and, from next September, all childminders must be registered with Tusla.