PRICE GUIDE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · 2026–2027
Before-School Care cost in Ireland
€10–€20 per session. Typically €15.
A before-school care in Ireland costs €10–€20 per session, typically around €15. The price is set by hours covered, breakfast + drop-off and number of children.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does before-school care cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €10 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €15 | what most people pay |
| High end | €20 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the babysitters, childminders, nannies, crèches and agencies near you.
What moves the price
- Provider's experience — childcare training has to be paid for, and the rate for before-school care reflects it.
- Services included — breakfast and drop-off at school add to the price of each before-school session.
- Duration of care required — an earlier start covers more time before school, so the session costs more.
- Number of children — each extra child adds a breakfast and supervision, which raises the session price.
- Regularity — a set weekly pattern of before-school care is often priced lower than occasional mornings.
What families pay for Childcare is down 35% over five years, largely because of subsidies (CSO Consumer Price Index, Childcare, to 2025 December); what providers charge has not fallen in the same way. CSO CPM18
WHAT YOU GET
What a before-school care visit includes
Takes: Before-school care usually lasts between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the provider and the specific needs of the family..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common before-school care jobs
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Before-School Care near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- Giving your child breakfast at home, rather than paying for it, can lower the before-school care price.
- Doing the school drop-off yourself, where the provider charges for transportation, keeps each session cheaper.
- Asking about sibling rates can lower the cost when more than a single child uses before-school care.
- Choosing a provider close to the school avoids paying extra for transportation to drop children off.
- Booking a later start on mornings you can stay home longer keeps the before-school care session shorter.
Before you book
- Any dietary requirements or allergies that matter for the breakfast served each morning.
- Personal items such as favourite toys or comfort items for the child.
- Access to the home for carers if transportation to school is part of the arrangement.
- Tell the provider your child's school start time and who to call if they seem unwell before school.
- Check how many carers supervise the children and how the walk or drive to school is managed.
- Agree the drop-off time for before-school care and what happens if you are running late.
- You can ask whether before-school care staff hold childcare qualifications and first aid training, and whether the setting is inspected.
Before-School Care cost: questions people ask
The cost of before-school care can vary based on location, the provider's experience, and the services included. Additional factors may include the age of the child and the number of children in care.
Before-school care usually lasts between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the provider and the specific needs of the family. Most services cater to parents who require care before school starts, typically around 7 AM to 9 AM.
While many before-school care providers are trained in childcare, not all require formal qualifications. However, choosing a caregiver with experience in child development can enhance your child's experience.
Some before-school care services may offer emergency or same-day care, but availability can be limited. It's best to inquire with local providers about their policies and availability for last-minute requests.
Yes, many providers offer packages that include both before-school and after-school care. Booking multiple services can sometimes result in discounts, so it's worth asking about bundled options.
Before-school care generally does not include extensive educational tutoring or specialised medical care. It's primarily focused on supervision, light activities, and basic meals, rather than intensive learning or therapy services.
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