‘Lack of quality’ in standard of early childcare

A lack of quality and inadequate policy continue to compromise the standard of service in early childhood care, it has been claimed.

Association of Childhood Professionals chairwoman Marian Quinn said at its annual conference that childhood professionals have been urged to unite and “find their voice” to drive reforms required in services.

“Some €320m has been taken out of early childhood care and education in recent years,” said Ms Quinn. “In many services practitioners hours are being cut and they are maintaining quality through voluntary hours.