'Early years sector losing a quarter of its staff each year due to poor pay and conditions’

With up to 46,000 toddlers on waiting lists for an early years place, Early Childhood Ireland is demanding action to alleviate the high rate of staff turnover. Stock picture: Danny Lawson/PA

More than a quarter of experienced, qualified creche and childminding workers have left those sectors, putting the system at risk, according to Early Childhood Ireland.

With up to 46,000 toddlers currently on a waiting list for an early years place in Ireland, the advocacy group has called for action on pay and conditions for workers providing early years and school aged care in settings across the country.

Pobal has said the average staff turnover rate for the early years sector is 24.5% nationally, rising to 37% in some areas, according to Frances Byrne, director of policy at Early Childhood Ireland.

“That means early years and school age care settings are losing one quarter to a third of their staff each year. If primary or second-level schools were facing similar staffing challenges, there would be uproar and immediate intervention,” she added. “This issue can no longer be ignored.”

High levels of staff turnover in settings means children are missing out on consistent relationships, stable routines and high-quality experiences, she added.

“Issues in recruitment and retention are creating uncertainty that can lead to room closures and undermines plans for expansion, locally and nationally.”

The Department of Children also estimates that there will be a total shortfall of approximately 14,000 Early Childhood Care and Education (Ecce) places in 2030 for children under the age of five.

Ms Byrne said that much of the pre-budget discussions tend to revolve around reducing fees, “understandably a big priority for parents”.

“But this short-term way of thinking does not serve this generation or any future generation of children.

“Even if the Government spends the next decade reducing parents’ bills incrementally, this won’t do anything to improve wages for staff, many of whom are paid just €15 per hour.”

In its pre-budget submission Early Childhood Ireland has urged the Government to increase graduate premiums for staff in the sector, and to establish paid in-service days to “meaningfully contribute to the critical role played by early years and school age care staff”.

It has also called on the Government to make provision for recognition of prior learning and experience for all staff, regardless of their qualifications.

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The pre-budget submission also warns that none of the Government’s current plans to reduce fees and increase capacity will be effective unless it can “offer a strong level of security to staff and settings”.

Ms Byrne added: “We also want the Government to name a date for the introduction of pay parity for graduates in our sector, ensuring their contribution to children’s care and education is valued in the same way that we value our primary and secondary school teachers.”

Earlier this year, children’s minister Norma Foley announced plans for a State-led initiative to provide thousands of early learning and childcare places using the €135m provided in the National Development Plan.

Eight such services were expected to be funded this year.

• Jess Casey, Education Correspondent