In-Home Childcare and Nannies in Ireland
Childcare at home is a personal arrangement between a family and a carer who looks after a child or children in the family's own home. The carer may be a childminder, a nanny, a babysitter, or an au pair. The work can be full-time, part-time, after-school, or occasional. The family sets the routines, the house rules, and the boundaries. The carer follows them. Because the carer is in the home and responsible for a child, the family needs to be careful at every step. This page sets out what the family can do and what the carer may charge. It does not promise anything about how a carer will behave or reply. The family describes what they need, and the carer decides whether to take it on.
What shapes the price of childcare at home
- A carer may charge by the hour, by the shift, or by a weekly rate.
- The rate can depend on the number of children, the age of the children, and whether the children have additional needs.
- Hours matter: early mornings, evenings, and weekends often cost more than standard daytime hours on a weekday.
- Night work, such as overnight care or a waking night, is usually charged at a higher rate than daytime hours.
- A carer who travels to the family home may add a travel amount.
- A carer who brings their own car and drives the children may charge for mileage.
- Qualifications and experience can also affect the rate.
- A carer with a childcare qualification, first aid training, or several years of experience may charge more than someone new to the work.
- The family should ask for a clear breakdown before agreeing to anything.
How long childcare at home takes
The first meeting is arranged directly between the family and the carer. The family can suggest a time and a place. Many families prefer the first meeting in their own home so the carer can see the space and meet the children. Some families prefer a neutral place, such as a café, for a first conversation. The meeting usually lasts between thirty minutes and an hour. After the meeting, the family can decide whether to arrange a trial session. A trial session can be a short paid session with the family nearby. The family can then decide whether to offer regular work. The carer can also decide whether to accept. There is no set timeline for this. Some families fill a role within a week; others take several weeks. Your task stays open for 30 days. Providers registered in this category can see it.
What to ask before you hire
- 01Ask the carer for references from previous families and contact those references.
- 02Ask to see their Garda vetting certificate.
- 03Ask whether they have a current first aid certificate and where they trained.
- 04Ask what they would do in an emergency, such as a child choking, a fall, or a sudden illness.
- 05Ask how they would contact you and how quickly.
- 06Ask whether they have insurance for working in your home, and ask to see the policy.
- 07Ask about their approach to discipline, screen time, meals, and homework.
- 08Ask what they would do if a child became upset and would not settle.
- 09Ask about their availability and whether they have other commitments that could affect their hours.
- 10Ask what they expect from you as a family.
- 11Ask about their notice period and how they handle sickness or holidays.
- 12Write down the answers so you can compare them.
- 13Ask which professional body they are a member of, if any.
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Nannies and in-home childcare in Ireland
For many Irish parents, in-home childcare is the most practical option: no crèche run, care when a child is sick, and flexibility around shift work or long commutes into Dublin, Cork or Galway. A nanny looks after children in your own home, follows your routines and may handle school runs, meals and homework. If you employ a nanny directly, you are usually their employer and need to register with Revenue for payroll. Garda vetting and references are important. Post your task on ShamFix with hours, ages and start date to compare offers.
Childcare jobs you can post
- Full-time nanny for babies and toddlers
- Part-time nanny for school-age children
- Before and after school care
- School drop-off and pick-up
- Meal preparation for children
- Homework support
- Shift-work and early morning care
- Holiday cover during school breaks
- Nanny share between two families
Nanny and in-home childcare questions
Am I an employer if I hire a nanny?
In most cases, yes. A nanny working in your home is usually your employee, so you register as an employer with Revenue and run payroll.
What is the difference between a nanny and a childminder?
A nanny cares for your children in your home. A childminder usually cares for children in the childminder's own home.
Should a nanny be Garda vetted?
Yes, ask for Garda vetting, references and any first aid or childcare training.
Can a nanny work part-time?
Yes. Many families hire for mornings, afternoons or specific days only.
How much does a nanny cost in Ireland?
It depends on hours, the number of children and experience. Compare quotes on ShamFix.
Childcare at home questions people ask
What should I ask a carer to bring to the first meeting?
Ask the carer to bring identification, references, and any certificates they hold. A first aid certificate and a Garda vetting certificate are useful to see. Ask to see the originals, not just copies. If they have insurance, ask for the policy details. You can also ask for a written summary of their experience. This lets you check the documents at your own pace.
How much does childcare at home cost per hour in Ireland?
There is no single rate. A carer may charge by the hour, and the rate can vary by county, by the number of children, and by the hours you need. Evenings, weekends, and nights often cost more than weekday daytime hours. Ask each carer for their rate and what it includes. Compare a few before you decide.
What insurance should a carer have to work in my home?
A carer who works in your home should have their own public liability insurance. This covers them if they accidentally damage something or if someone is injured. Ask to see the policy and check that it is current. If they do not have insurance, you may need to consider whether you are comfortable with that. Your own home insurance may not cover a paid carer.
What should I do if my child has an accident while in the carer's care?
The carer should contact you immediately and, if needed, call emergency services. You should agree in advance on a plan: who to call, which hospital to use, and how to reach you. Leave a written list of emergency contacts and any medical information about your child. After the event, write down what happened and when. This helps if you need to follow up.
How do I check a carer's references?
Ask the carer for two or three references from previous families. Contact each reference by phone or email. Ask about the carer's reliability, how they handled difficult moments, and why the arrangement ended. Ask whether they would hire the carer again. Keep a note of what each reference says. This gives you a fuller picture than a written reference alone.
What is the difference between a childminder and a nanny?
A childminder usually cares for children in the childminder's own home. A nanny usually cares for children in the family's home. A nanny may live in or live out. The terms can vary, so ask each carer what they offer and where the care takes place. The setting affects the rate, the hours, and the routine.
Need childcare at home in Ireland?
Post a childcare at home task. Your task stays open for 30 days. Providers registered in this category can see it.
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