Many crèches provide quality childcare

I READ with interest Shane Dunphy’s article ‘Let the children speak’ (Irish Examiner, March 21) and the various issues highlighted by your newspaper surrounding the provision of childcare in Ireland. Can we let the childcare workers speak, too?

It is important to recognise the essential, professional service that is offered by many facilities to many working parents. Our facility, Newbury House, has been in existence for 20 years providing quality childcare. We are a non-profit organisation which supports families who need affordable childcare. Without our provision, there would be 24 more families on ever increasing waiting lists.

Providing a quality service involves continual upskilling and training for staff, flexible hours and affordable prices. We strive, as do many other facilities, for creating a warm, caring and safe environment.

Your leader headline on the same day - ‘Name, shame and shut them down’ - may be applicable to a minority of badly-run crèches but there are also places which are caring, fun and happy!

Anne Curran

Newbury House Family Centre

Mayfield

Cork