Report finds gap sin childcare services

July 2003

COUNTY Wicklow does not have enough childcare places to meet parents’ needs, according to the recently formed Wicklow County Childcare Committee.

The organisation has identified several gaps in the provision of childcare services in the county.

A study conducted by the group has revealed gaps in the areas of crèches for babies, full day- care and community facilities along with out- of- school care and facilities in rural areas.

Wicklow County Childcare Committee was established under the National Development Plan programme because it was recognised that there was a need for more women to be enabled to access the workforce.

The group’s core business is to increase the quantity and quality of childcare throughout the county.

‘ Our main objective, broadly speaking is to make it possible for all children to access quality, affordable childcare, by the end of 2006,’ explains childcare coordinator Jeremy Kynaston.

He says that the average cost of full day care in the Wicklow area is € 140 per child and many people are working simply to afford the childcare.

The role of the staff of the childcare committee is to assist people in all aspects of setting up childcare facilities.

They can also provide information on funding available to both community or non- profit groups.