Childcare Committee responds to RTE Primetime report

Cavan County Childcare Committee has said that it is shocked by what was discovered by RTÉ Investigations Unit in its examination of standards of childcare in Ireland.

The special Primetime programme gathered film footage of the treatment of children at three creches in Dublin and Wicklow, but also showed there is stark inconsistencies countrywide in the carrying out of HSE inspection reports on childcare facilities.

Cavan County Childcare Committee's has issued a statement saying their 'thoughts are with the children and parents directly affected by the prime time investigation aired. We also understand that parents may be feeling anxious this morning.
'Our thoughts are also with the thousands of childcare practioners across the country and the childcare practioners in Co. Cavan who deliver quality childcare experiences for children in Co. Cavan on a daily basis'

CCCC says if parents have concerns regarding practice in a childcare setting in the region they should first discuss it with their childcare service and assured that childcare providers will 'gladly answer your questions.

'You can ask to see a copy of their most recent pre school inspection report. You can also contact the Cavan/Monaghan HSE pre school inspection team @ 047 30906.'

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny spoke in the Dail today saying that creche inspections need to become child centred and the focus had to be on quality for children.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald meanwhile described last night's programme as 'deeply distressing, upsetting and unacceptable'.

Ms Fitzgerald says change needs to be implemented and that inspection reports on childcare facilities will in the future be made public online within a couple of weeks of them being conducted.

Childcare practioners can contact Cavan County Childcare Committee @ 049 4365856. If you have any further questions or require further information the CCCC can be contacted at 049 4365856.