Offaly TD highlights "unprecedented crisis" in Early Years sector
Offaly Independent TD Carol Nolan has highlighted an "unprecedented crisis" in the Early Years sector in the Dáil this week.
Issues surrounding staff burnout, significant pay disparity, and the exclusion of early years and crèche providers from input into Government policy are just some of the major challenges causing difficulties in the sector.
Deputy Nolan was speaking following a briefing she organised in Leinster House that was addressed by Caroline Pierce, owner of Memory Lane Playschool & Creche in Edenderry.
The presentation was also addressed by Laura Pierce, a former early year’s provider and Elaine Dunne, founder of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers as well as Claire and David Young, the parents of a young child with a number of complex needs.
The Independent TD organised the briefing for all members of the Dáil and Seanad in response to growing concerns around the absence of sufficient funding and staff supports for children with complex needs in Offaly:
“The speakers delivered what can only be described a cry from the heart, and I know it was deeply felt by all present,” said Deputy Nolan. “Unfortunately, we now know just how bad things are on the ground and how close to collapse a frightening number of early years providers are."
Nolan noted the "relentless financial pressure" in keeping the doors open has had a huge impact on crèche owners.
“We heard from Caroline Pierce how the rate her service is paid per child has risen by just €9 in the last 20 years. It is now at a totally unsustainable level of €69 per child.
“We also heard from Claire and David the heartbreaking story of what can happen when a child with complex needs does not receive the kind of wrap around care they need, while Laura Pierce gave us an illuminating breakdown of the pay disparity and how that is impacting the capacity of providers to retain or attract key qualified staff.
“The TD’s and Senators also heard from Elaine Dunne of the FECP. Elaine made it alarmingly clear that the 1,600 providers she represents are in crisis. It is a crisis that is being ignored and approached in all the wrong kind of ways. This is essentially because they are excluded from any meaningful input into Government policy and what is actually needed on the ground.”
Deputy Nolan intends to continue bringing the issue to the fore, adding:
“We need to have the crisis addressed as a matter of urgency. I will actively work with all colleagues in the Dáil and Seanad who share my ambition for these children and the providers who look after them and nurture them on a daily basis."