A cross-party representation of political figures in Cork is to make representations to the minister for children seeking a rise in funding for creches in the most disadvantaged parts of the country.
Seven creches looking after vulnerable toddlers across Cork City claim they are not receiving enough funding to re-open services next September due to changes to staff/child ratios which mean they must hire more staff that they cannot afford. Another six creches say they face closure in September of next year.
The Cork Early Years Alliance says its subvention per child needs to be doubled as its children have far greater needs than children in private creches.
It is also arguing it should receive an increased staff grant and an acknowledgement that its work is also early intervention family support which is proven to reap dividends for the child and its wider family.
Up to 225 children, aged one to three years, attend these early years community creches and the staff also provide wider support to their families, many of whom are disadvantaged by homelessness, addiction or mental health challenges.
The alliance outlined its predicament to TDs and councillors at the Imperial Hotel on Monday.
“We are to receive a payment of €4.20 per hour per child but this figure does not take into account how complex our work is,” said Niamh Sheridan, manager of the Togher Family Centre.
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