Inadequate childcare training

Regarding the sub-standard practices of childcare providers, I am delighted that the RTÉ investigation has exposed failings. It is high time that parents, and society, examined the environment our children are in daily, for hours.

As a child carer, I have never been questioned about my qualifications by parents.

I am an early-years practitioner with a BA in early childhood care and education. I am completing an MA in education. The childcare system in Ireland is not valued. In contrast to our European counterparts, we lack support from government.

There is not enough emphasis on qualifications. The Childcare Preschool Regulations 2006 only insist on a minimum level of standards regarding development (physical, social, and emotional). In primary schools, a degree is the minimum acceptable qualification. Why not in early childhood education also?

Childcare providers, in the private sector, are free to employ staff who have the minimum qualification, which is a FETAC level 5 in childcare studies. People cannot be taught about child development and child psychology, so as to control various behaviours, in just nine months.

Children are a precious commodity and early years education should be a priority for our legislators. At the minimum, childcare practitioners should have attained a degree in early education and childcare.

The abuse highlighted in the programme was not surprising to me. In many settings, practitioners are overworked, undervalued and under-paid. However, this does not excuse the behaviour we all witnessed.

International research has shown that the years 0-6 are the most formative in a child’s education. We need action, not words and empty promises from our Government, for our most vulnerable citizens, who are the future of our country.

Natalie Walsh

Tubbercurry

Co Sligo