New childcare regulations come into force today, which will reduce the number of children a child minder can care for.
The Childcare Pre-School Services Regulations were signed into law in 2006, but only take effect from today.
Previously a child-minder could look after a maximum of six children under the age of six, including their own.
This number has now been reduced to five, and its recommended that there is a second adult on the premises in case of emergencies.
