Crèches fear cutbacks as funding reviewed

MANAGEMENT at crèches in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the country are fearing service cutbacks as they await the outcome of a funding review being conducted by the Department of Justice.

Up to 700 community crèches were sent letters by the department at the end of last year informing them that funding was being reviewed under the terms of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2001-2004.

According to crèche owners, who are largely dependant on Department of Justice and health board funding, there is a push by the department to make some of the crèches more self-sufficient, something which they believe is virtually impossible as the families they cater for can’t afford the full costs of childcare.