HOW TO HIRE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY

How to hire a nursery assistant in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.

A nursery assistant in Ireland costs €13–€20 per hour, typically around €16. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.

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THE 60-SECOND VERSION

Hiring a nursery assistant in five steps

  1. Are you on the Tusla register of childminding services, and what is your number?A number you can look up yourself before you agree a price — communication with Parents — they frequently communicate with parents about their child's progress and any concerns that may arise.
  2. How does specific duties required change the price?What is included in the package changes the total. — ask before the quote rather than after.
  3. How does number of children change the price?Quantity drives the hours more than anything else. — ask before the quote rather than after.
  4. How does their specific needs change the price?What is included in the package changes the total. — ask before the quote rather than after.
  5. What is not included?Meal and Snack Preparation — nursery assistants may assist in preparing and serving meals or snacks to children — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a nursery assistant job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Check before you book

Tusla Early Years Inspectorate — childminding registration

The childminding regulations apply only to a childminder caring for children in the CHILDMINDER'S OWN HOME.

Search the Tusla register of childminding services for the name or the registration number before you agree a price. tusla.ie →

Where the rules stand now

A childminder caring for 3 or fewer pre-school children, and 6 or fewer children in total, remains exempt for the transitional period. Registration becomes mandatory from September 2027. Registration is not yet mandatory for every childminder. Ask whether this childminder is registered, and if not, whether they fall inside the transitional exemption — both answers are legitimate in 2026.

Ask where they are in the process, and when they expect to be registered — the date is September 2027 either way. tusla.ie →

Garda vetting

National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016 The regulation requiring vetting of household members aged 16 and over commenced on 1 February 2025. Vetting is carried out through a relevant organisation, not by a parent directly. Ask to see the disclosure the childminder holds.

Ask to see the garda vetting letter itself, with its date on it — not a statement that one exists.

Insurance

Expect public liability covering minding in the home; ask to see it. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.

Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.

VAT

No VAT: this service is exempt, so there is none to add and none to reclaim. A quote that adds it is wrong. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.

Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →

“Are you on the Tusla register of childminding services, and what is your number?”

A good answer: A number you can look up yourself before you agree a price — communication with Parents — they frequently communicate with parents about their child's progress and any concerns that may arise.

“How does specific duties required change the price?”

A good answer: What is included in the package changes the total. — ask before the quote rather than after.

“How does number of children change the price?”

A good answer: Quantity drives the hours more than anything else. — ask before the quote rather than after.

“How does their specific needs change the price?”

A good answer: What is included in the package changes the total. — ask before the quote rather than after.

“What is not included?”

A good answer: Meal and Snack Preparation — nursery assistants may assist in preparing and serving meals or snacks to children — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a nursery assistant job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.

“Who insures you, and what is the policy number?”

A good answer: Expect public liability covering minding in the home; ask to see it — educational Activities — they often plan and implement educational activities that promote learning and development.

“What do I get in writing, and when?”

A good answer: A written scope and a price before the nursery assistant starts, and an itemised invoice after — child Supervision — nursery assistants are responsible for supervising children during playtime and activities.

Getting the quote right

  • Specific duties required — what is included in the package changes the total.
  • Number of children — quantity drives the hours more than anything else.
  • Their specific needs — what is included in the package changes the total.
  • Complexity of care required — no two bespoke jobs take the same time, so quotes run higher.
  • In writing before anyone starts — a message on Locufy counts
  • What is NOT included, named
  • Who actually attends, and whether they are employed or subcontracted
  • The VAT number, and whether it checks out on the Revenue register

Walk away if

  • They are not on the Tusla register of childminding services, or the number does not resolve to the name on the quote
  • They will not talk about it: specific duties required — what is included in the package changes the total
  • They will not talk about it: number of children — quantity drives the hours more than anything else
  • They will not talk about it: their specific needs — what is included in the package changes the total
  • A price for the nursery assistant before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
  • Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
LOW
€13
TYPICAL
€16
HIGH
€20

What a nursery assistant costs: €13–€20 per hour

Most nursery assistants quote the job rather than the hour; the hourly rate is what the small jobs are priced from. Childcare provider and Educational assistant each carry their own band. Nursery Assistant price guide →

Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE

Nursery assistants near you, with the badges that matter shown

ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.

Or post the job free and let them come to you, or book by the hour.

  1. Look firstSpecific duties required — what is included in the package changes the total — that is what the nursery assistant is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
  2. Agree what is being doneNumber of children — quantity drives the hours more than anything else — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
  3. The work itselfTheir specific needs — what is included in the package changes the total — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
  4. Check it togetherComplexity of care required — no two bespoke jobs take the same time, so quotes run higher — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the nursery assistant is still there.
  5. What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, look for nursery assistants with qualifications in early childhood education or childcare.

Child Supervision
Nursery assistants are responsible for supervising children during playtime and activities.
Educational Activities
They often plan and implement educational activities that promote learning and development.
Meal and Snack Preparation
Nursery assistants may assist in preparing and serving meals or snacks to children.
Communication with Parents
They frequently communicate with parents about their child's progress and any concerns that may arise.
Playgroup Leader
Organises and leads play sessions that encourage social interaction and skill development among children.
Home Nursery Assistant
Offers childcare in a home setting, providing a nurturing environment and personal attention to children.

AFTER

When the job is done

Keep the invoice and the paperworkAn itemised invoice with the trader's name, the work and the total — communication with Parents — they frequently communicate with parents about their child's progress and any concerns that may arise, because it is what a buyer's solicitor, an insurer or a lender asks for long after the nursery assistant has gone.
Test what was doneMeal and Snack Preparation — nursery assistants may assist in preparing and serving meals or snacks to children — and something that does not work on the day is theirs to put right there and then.
Ask what the guarantee isOn the workmanship and on the parts, and for how long each one runs — they are usually different. educational Activities — they often plan and implement educational activities that promote learning and development — under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 what was agreed is what can be relied on.
Leave the reviewOnly a booked job can be reviewed on Locufy, which is why the score on a nursery assistant's card means something — child Supervision — nursery assistants are responsible for supervising children during playtime and activities.

STEP 1Say it in writing, firstSay what is wrong and what you want done. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 the work must be carried out with reasonable skill and care, and defective work put right.
STEP 2Use the make-it-right step on LocufyUnder four stars you are asked whether to send it to the provider first; we follow it through. Then review.
STEP 3Escalate to the body that regulates itReport it to Tusla Early Years Inspectorate — childminding registration.
STEP 4Small claimsSmall claims covers €2,000, once you have asked in writing and given them a chance to put it right.

Hiring a nursery assistant: questions people ask

The cost can be influenced by the assistant's experience, qualifications, and the specific duties required. Additionally, geographical location and demand for childcare services in your area can also affect pricing.

The duration of a nursery assistant job can vary widely, from a few hours for specific events to ongoing part-time or full-time positions. For short-term needs, you might hire an assistant for a few hours a day or week.

While a general nursery assistant can handle basic childcare tasks, hiring a qualified professional may be necessary for more specialised activities or if specific educational outcomes are desired. Check local regulations regarding qualifications.

Availability for same-day bookings can be limited, especially during peak times. It's best to plan ahead, but some agencies or freelancers may offer emergency services if they have capacity.

Yes, many nursery assistants can offer additional services such as tutoring or event planning. Booking multiple services can sometimes lead to discounts or more comprehensive care for your children.

Nursery assistants generally do not provide medical care, specialised educational instruction, or psychological support. Their role is primarily focused on supervision, basic education, and care.

MORE GUIDES

More hiring guides in childcare & family

How to hire: BabysitterHow to hire: Evening BabysitterHow to hire: ChildminderHow to hire: NannyHow to hire: Live-In NannyHow to hire: Part-Time NannyHow to hire: Au PairHow to hire: Mother's HelpAll 701 hiring guides →

Nursery assistants near you

Nursery assistants in DublinNursery assistants in CorkNursery assistants in GalwayNursery assistants in LimerickAll nursery assistants on Locufy →

Sources — checked October 2026

  1. Tusla — childminding registration opened 30 September 2024
  2. Tusla — childminding services FAQs
  3. Department of Children — new regulations for childminding
  4. National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028
  5. Consumer Rights Act 2022
  6. Revenue — CHILDMINDING (Children and education) — Exempt
  7. Revenue — current VAT rates (effective 1 January 2026)
  8. Revenue — VAT thresholds: €42,500 for a person supplying services only