The first days of primary school can be difficult for children even if they have had the benefit of a pre-school experience says Helen O’Callaghan.

THE Government is failing to clamp down on the increasing number of black-market childminders, yet is overburdening the preschool and creche sector with unending regulations, according to childcare providers.

CHILDREN will lose out if the Government insists on its free year of pre-school education being based on a weekly payment, service providers have warned.

A NEW breed of “yellow pack” cheap childcare could force quality private providers out of business under the Government’s new free pre-school year, the National Association of Private Childcare Providers has warned.

TEACHERS and parents have given a guarded welcome to a plan backed by Justice Minister Michael McDowell to develop school-based childcare.