Childcare Cannot be About Maximising Profit. Barnardos is very concerned at the findings in the RTE Investigates programme – Behind Closed Doors broadcast last night. Barnardos has long called for a system of quality childcare available for all children as well as supporting providers and practitioners in the early years sector.
Dublin – 25 July 2019 Barnardos is very concerned at the findings in the RTE Investigates programme – Behind Closed Doors broadcast last night. Barnardos has long called for a system of quality childcare available for all children as well as supporting providers and practitioners in the early years sector.
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO, said: ‘Last night’s programme was deeply distressing particularly for those parents and children directly impacted. It was heart-breaking to watch the complete disregard for even the minimum standards required when caring for young children in an early years setting.
“There were clear breaches of many regulations such as the correct child to worker ratios, Garda Vetting and most worryingly in relation to fire safety. It is clear that the practices exposed in last night’s programme were driven from the top down and with the intention of maximising the profit.
“Inspections are a point in time, we need to take greater consideration of the culture within the organisation. While many private settings provide a high quality child-centred service, organisations driven by a for-profit motive will most likely not have the care of children as their first priority.
“Barnardos has free resources for parents that will support them in consulting with a current early learning and care provider, and in choosing a childcare service for those selecting childcare for the first time”.
Parents can download their free ebook here
Note to editor:
Barnardos has been designing and delivering workforce capacity initiatives to the early years sector since 1993. This includes providing mentoring, a library and information service, publications and training. Our biggest demand is for child protection training. Other training topics include: Supervision, promoting positive behaviour, reflective practice, play and environments.
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966