Change In Recruitment Policy For Future Tusla Early Years Inspectors

An agreement has been reached to change the recruitment policy for future Tusla Early Years Inspector.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Tusla, and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have agreed at the Labour Court regarding the future recruitment of Early Years Inspectors within Tusla.

To date, EY Inspector positions have required candidates to be registered as a Public Health Nurse and hold a QQI Level 9 qualification (Masters Level).

The change will now allow various professions to apply for these posts, including for the first time graduates from Early Years Care and Education, as well as candidates with suitable qualifications in social care, social work, psychology and education. 20% of the childcare workforce now holds a degree.

Welcoming the Labour Court recommendation, The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, said: "This development reflects the on-going professionalisation of the Early Years sector. The broadening of criteria for the recruitment of Inspectors will complement and strengthen the great work that Tusla's Early Years Inspectorate has been progressing in recent years.

"The last 18 months has seen massive steps forward in our goal to transform childcare in Ireland. I welcome the recommendation of the Labour Court and recognise that it marks another milestone in the professionalisation of the sector and the development of high quality, accessible services for children and families."

(LM)