HSE files reveal litany of creche complaints

The HSE has released documents detailing hundreds of complaints made about creches last year.

The files, obtained by The Sunday Times, highlight claims of children 'escaping' from creches, suffering verbal and physical abuse and being isolated for punishment.

They also raise claims of staff with criminal records working in creches and that others were told to lie on child ratio sheets.

Child and adolescent psychoanalyst Colman Noctor says the neglect suffered by young children in creches can have lasting impact on their wellbeing.

"My view is that that has lasting effects," he said.

"Children are so absorbent - we're always saying that they can learn Spanish before they are two, they can pick up how to operate a DVD…

"That sponge is not selective or filtered, it also takes in all of the anger (and) aggression."