Call for next government to improve pay for Cork workers in childcare sector

Childcare cost reductions for parents will not be possible without better pay for those working in the sector, according to Early Childhood Ireland.

The group are calling on the next government to show its commitment to Cork children and their families by setting a date for parity of pay and conditions between early years and school-age care graduates and their equivalents in primary education.

“As well as offering deserved recognition for educators, this commitment will go a long way to alleviating the capacity issues the system is currently dealing with, provide greater transparency for public investment, and will support affordability for parents,” Early Childhood Ireland director of policy Frances Byrne stated recently.

Average turnover

According to the latest available data, average staff turnover in Cork stands at 26.2%.

An independent review of the early years and school age care system in 2021 highlighted that up to 20,000 additional staff will be required nationally by 2028, but despite increased investment, staffing remains a significant challenge.

Ms Byrne said: “Recruitment and retention of staff are two of the biggest concerns we hear about from our 441 member settings in Cork.

“We have seen election proposals from some political parties about reducing fees and improving affordability for parents, however, without a stable workforce these proposals will just not be feasible.

“We hear too many stories of graduates pursuing careers elsewhere because their prospects of working in early years and school age care settings are still quite poor.”

Shortage

The latest annual Early Years Sector Profile survey showed a shortage of 2,424 creche places in Cork alone.

There were 534 children under the age of one on creche waiting lists in Cork and just 17 places available for them, 1,124 children aged one to two years on waiting lists and 36 places available, and 1,110 children aged two to three years on waiting lists and 291 places available.

Ms Byrne said: “We badly need more places for children, but any capacity expansion will be hampered unless settings can attract and retain highly skilled and motivated staff whose pay and conditions align with their qualifications and experience.”