For childcare costs, see the NI Childcare Subsidy and childcare across the border.
Quick facts
- Registered childcare
- Childminders, nurseries, playgroups, out-of-school care
- Inspected
- At least once a year for group daycare
- Not registered
- Nannies, au pairs, some short services
- Child maintenance
- Online calculator, Child Maintenance Service
Registered childcare
Social services must operate a registration and inspection system for childcare services such as childminders and day care. For group daycare settings, such as day nurseries, playgroups and out-of-school care, social workers within Early Years Teams inspect premises at least annually.
Some types of childcare do not require registration and inspection, including nannies and au pairs, services for children over 12, and services that run for less than two hours a day.
Bullying
Bullying can make your child's life a misery, but there are ways you can help stop it and organisations you can contact for support. If bullying starts in a chat room, encourage your child to leave immediately and tell you, and contact the moderator.
Child maintenance
You can use the online calculator to find out how much child maintenance you might pay or receive. The amounts are guidance only for parents living apart. See child maintenance.
Common questions
Does my childminder have to be registered in Northern Ireland?
Yes. Childminders and day care must be registered and inspected by Health and Social Care Trust Early Years Teams.