We want Respect, negotiation and an understanding of how our sector really works.
This is important and what we advocate for daily. We feel this is one of the biggest failings from our current Government. We are the professionals with the knowledge to get the job done. It’s very simple.
What has been evident from travelling around the country is the mental health of providers. Time and time again we heard of Providers who struggle to maintain their own salary and to keep their service going. Many Independent Providers told us they adore their children and the relationships with the communities that have been built up for many years. They struggle internally with this and still manage to provide a home from home environment for the children across Ireland.
The establishment of The Federation of Early Childhood Providers has been very successful. This is because there was a need for a strong Independent Providers only group. The Federation currently represent 34% of Independent Providers equating to almost 55,000 children.
Action plan for the reform of the Irish Early Years Sector
- Streamlined inspection process.
- We request a new funding model that supports affordability for parents, high quality for children and professional pay scales and recognition for Early Years Educators.
- We request respect for both ourselves the Independent Provider and our staff, the Early Years Educators.
- We are requesting the challenges within our sector regarding the staffing crisis are finally addressed.
- We request effective policy development through respectful, meaningful negotiation and co-design with all representative groups within the sector.
- We request the Government to acknowledge the issues around the current Garda vetting system for Early Years Educators in Ireland.
- We request a streamlined inspection process with a graded compliance system