Home-based education and care services are defined as those that provide education or care, to children who are under the age of compulsory education or children with special needs or sick and cannot attend kindergarten. The service is provided in the child’s own home.

Objectives and accessibility

Children from birth until the age of compulsory age may attend home-based care, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
After the age of 4 years and 5 months, home-based provision applies only to sick children or children with special needs who cannot attend a kindergarten.
Requirements for childminders and child ratios
To practise as a childminder in Cyprus, one needs to register as a childminder with the Department of Social Welfare Services of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. A childminder in Cyprus may look after up to three infants (up to 2 years old) or six children aged 2– 4 years and 5 months.
Any childminder caring for or intending to care for children should apply to the Director of Social Welfare Services for registration. On receipt of such an application, the Director, subject to the provisions of the Children Law 1956 (Chapter 352, Section 28) and the Children (Amendment) Law 2014 (Ν.181(Ι)/2014), registers all people who, for reward, receive into their homes children under the age of compulsory age to be looked after as aforesaid.