Concerns over low qualifications of childcare staff

A major report on childcare has expressed concern about the low level of professional qualifications among childcare staff in Ireland.

It also highlighted how children in creches are more than twice as likely to suffer poor health compared to those minded by a parent.

The latest Growing Up in Ireland study — which focuses on mothers’ return to work and childcare choices — found only one in five childcare employees had HETAC or third-level qualifications in childcare.