A checklist for childcare

EARLY Childhood Ireland, which represents 3,800 childcare providers, yesterday released a ‘checklist’ of issues the Government must address so it can survive after reopening. Childcare facilities are due to reopen on June 29. The issues outlined include maintaining staffing levels to what they were before the lockdown, and a long-term sustainability test, along with financial aid if hours are reduced.

Providers also called for the health, safety and wellbeing of babies, children and staff to be paramount, and that the approach to childcare must be child-centred – for example, the attendance of a child should not be linked to their parent’s work status.

Childhood Ireland’s director of policy and advocacy Frances Byrne said: ‘The Government can act now to save the childcare sector, and in turn support other sectors in our economy. By taking this checklist on board, they can ensure the sector not only reopens safely, but does so in a way that guarantees its long-term sustainability.’

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald also hit out at the fact that childcare providers have still not been told what financial support will be available. ‘Childcare providers have been warning for months that they worry they may be unable to reopen their facilities due to ongoing lack of support from the Government. Clarity and support is needed, not empty talk and broken promises,’ she said.

Labour’s spokesman on Children and Youth Affairs, Seán Sherlock said both families and providers need to know what the funding package for the childcare sector will be when it reopens.