Preschool providers report drop in attendances

Preschool providers say they may have to lay off employees because of a drop in the number of children attending their services.

The Irish Preschool Play Association says three-quarters of its members have experienced a fall in attendance over the past 12 months.

More than two-fifths say they believe parents are waiting for the start of the free preschool scheme in January, while one-quarter blame the fall-off on job losses.