Childcare workers need access to a training fund and help to develop skills, writes Irene Gunning

Children’s groups have demanded widespread changes to the administration and inspection of childcare settings after the Prime Time report raised serious concerns about the level of care being offered to families.

Childcare organisations are calling on the Government to fund improved training of childcare staff as they try to dampen down a “crisis of confidence” created by revelations about substandard practice at three Dublin creches.

The Government is deeply concerned over allegations of mistreatment of children at a number of creches, the Tánaiste has said.

The organisation representing professionals working in the childcare sector is calling on the government to extend its free pre-school scheme.

A child care expert has said that the cost of placing a child in a creche is "expensive" because the job is "very labour-intensive".

Early Childhood Ireland has said that the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme will result in job losses.

Tears may be flowing as thousands of children begin their first days at school around the country this week — but fretful parents are advised to remember their crying could be contagious.

AS holiday time eases the pressure on family routines, experts recommend taking the time to plan more family meals.

The high cost of childcare is forcing some parents to quit their careers.

The Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton is being urged to rethink proposals to make employers responsible for the first four week's of an employee's sick leave.

A senior member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has questioned whether Irish laws on smacking mean parents can be good role models for their children.

Ireland’s food safety watchdog is urging creches to guard against the spread of E.coli following an increase in the prevalence of the potentially deadly bacteria in the community.

Leaders in childcare are calling on the Government to protect the care and education of pre-school children.

Parents and childcare providers have been reminded of the importance of monitoring their children carefully after an inquest heard last week how a toddler died after choking on a popcorn kernel.

THE number of children attending playgroups and crèches has dropped in almost eight in 10 pre-school services, according to a new survey by the Irish Preschool Play Association (IPPA).

ARCHITECTS have rejected claims by Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe that they have been overcharging schools for building projects.

IRISH parents think homework is more important than play in their child’s development, a survey reveals.

OPPOSITION parties have described the Government’s commitment to improve child safety in crèches as “meaningless waffle”.

Ireland's early childhood education services rank far behind those of most European countries, it was claimed today.