Minister must address issues forcing Educators to leave the Early Years Education Sector – Claire Kerrane TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Disability, and Equality, Claire Kerrane TD, has warned that tinkering around the edges won’t be enough to address the crisis in Early Years education.

Deputy Kerrane was responding to today’s announcement that the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund has opened for applicants.

Teachta Kerrane said:

“While today’s announcement will go some way to providing greater accessibility and to removing barriers in education and training for Early Years Educators, it does nothing to stem the flow of already qualified professionals who are leaving the sector.

“Today’s announcement makes clear that the government still fails to recognise that the current crisis in the Early Years Education Sector is as a direct result of the pay and conditions people are working under.

“Currently, almost one in three staff (31.4%) are leaving private full day childcare services annually. Some counties are seeing staff turnover rates of over 50%. Many of those forced to leave have experience and expertise built up over many years working in the sector – experience and expertise that cannot be developed or replaced overnight.

“Unless government addresses the issues forcing Early Years Educators to leave, we will continue to lose these dedicated and experienced professionals.

“One of the more frustrating aspects of this is that the asks from the Early Years Sector are clear.

“A recent SIPTU survey found low pay is the biggest work issue for 86% of Early Years Educators.

“The last pay increase for Early Years Educators amounted to 65 cents. It took 14 months to negotiate and ended up in the Labour Court because agreement could not be reached.

“This is an insult to Early Years Educators and does not reflect the vital role they have in our society and economy.

“We need urgent and radical reform to restore dignity and respect to Early Years Educators.

“These valued professionals spend many years training and upskilling – their pay and conditions when they qualify must reflect this.

“The commitment in the Programme for Government on core funding must progress immediately. We need a thorough examination of the investment being made and how it is being reflected in pay deals achieved via the Joint Labour Committee.

“Today’s announcement shows government recognise the skill of Early Years Educators – now they must also show they recognise the value.”