Children to lose out on pre-school scheme in funding row [independent.ie]
- Published: 08 June 2009
Source: independent.ie
By Paul Melia
Monday June 01 2009
THOUSANDS of children could lose out on a year's free pre-school education because of a row over funding.
Childcare groups have warned that creches will not sign up when the new pre-school scheme begins in January because the Government grant will not cover costs.
In April's emergency Budget, the Government replaced the early childcare supplement payable to all children under five with a commitment to fund a year's free pre-school education.
Pre-schools would receive €2,400 a year to provide the service, which would benefit up to 70,000 three and four-year-olds at a cost of €170m a year.
Pre-schools registered for the scheme will be paid a weekly capitation grant of €64.50 to cover 15 hours for each child. Parents cannot pay a top-up to subsidise the service.
But the annual capitation payment per child will not cover rent, rates, water charges and wage costs, say providers.
Childcare groups yesterday warned that unless the grant is increased hundreds of creches will not sign up, which will lead to a shortfall in places.
The Irish Montessori Education Board, which has 86 members, says the state contribution needs to be doubled.
The annual cost of sending a child to Montessori is between €3,000 and €4,000 per year.
"A capitation of closer to €100 would be more appropriate for our schools," spokeswoman Mina Walsh said.
Yesterday a spokesperson for the Minister for Children Barry Andrews said the state's contribution would not be increased, adding that parents will not be allowed pay a top-up to creches.
- Paul Melia
