On Air Now

K Drive

3:00pm - 7:00pm

  • 045 901 490
  • 0833-979797

Now Playing

Dan Fogelberg

Same Old Lang Syne

Hundreds Of Children Are On Long Waitlists For Crèches As Kildare Faces Staffing And Space Shortfalls

The situation is even more strained for 2-3-year-olds, with 611 children on waiting lists and only 80 available spots.

Concerns over a shortage of crèche places in Kildare are being highlighted in the run up to the general election.

According to the latest Annual Early Years Sector Profile survey, there are currently 205 infants under one year old on crèche waiting lists, with only 15 places available.

 For children aged 1-2 years, 500 are waiting, yet just 150 places exist.

The situation is even more strained for 2-3-year-olds, with 611 children on waiting lists and only 80 available spots.

Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, highlighted that this lack of availability is impacting children’s access to essential early care and education.

Byrne noted that without better pay and conditions for Early Years educators, efforts to expand capacity will fall short.

Kildare’s childcare sector faces a 22.9% staff turnover rate.

She said the government needs to show its commitment to Kildare children and their families by setting a date to bring Early Years and School Age Care graduates into the public pay system.

 

More from Local News

Stay tuned to Kfm!

Get the Kfm Apps for you phone, tablet or smart speaker...

Kfm Kildare Weather

  • Thu

    Light rain

    12°C

  • Fri

    Light rain

    12°C

  • Sat

    Mist

    8°C

  • Sun

    Sunny

    7°C

  • Mon

    Sunny intervals

    6°C