Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has approved modifications to childcare regulations in Northern Ireland. The changes follow a public consultation and target Health and Social Care Trusts' policies on worker health assessments and staff-to-child ratios.

HSC Trusts will now require GP countersigned health declarations only for senior positions in childminding and day care settings. These include childminders, persons in charge, and their assistants. A majority of consultation respondents supported this adjustment.

The prior policy of mandating GP signed declarations from all prospective childcare workers affected recruitment. Officials noted difficulties from high demand for GP assessments. Staff not needing GP declarations will work under supervision of at least one other person.

For childminding, new ratios take effect on 1 June 2026. A single childminder will then care for specified numbers of children under different age groups.

Group day care ratios, introduced in October 2021 during the Covid pandemic, become permanent. Each room requires at least two staff members on duty at all times.

Nesbitt stated that officials will consult HSC Trusts, providers, parents, and staff on broader minimum standards. He prioritised safety and quality in childcare.