By Louise Flanagan
THE cost of childcare is a hot topic at the moment. I’m past that stage myself (thank God) as all my kids are now school-going age.
However, my brother has just boarded the crèche rollercoaster with his baby daughter, Ailbhe. He’s had her name down for a place in crèche pretty much since the two blue lines appeared on the test as there are insane waiting lists. Moreover, he’s forking out a full monthly mortgage repayment to have her minded. He’s based in Leeds, although there seems to be a similar childcare crisis here.
For many, full-time crèche fees would bleed us dry. In my case, grandparents were willing and able to help out and I also had the most wonderful childminder who treated my kids like her own.
Not everyone is so lucky, and Letterkenny Babies Facebook page frequently receives messages from parents at the end of their tether with the cost of childcare.
One recently wrote; “Even as a professional with a full time job, the crèche fees will take up more than two thirds of my salary, and that’s after the NCS. There’s not even enough left for rent.”
NCS stands for National Childcare Scheme. It’s a government subsidy that reduces the hourly rate of childcare. Many parents praise the initiative for softening the financial blow, although generally speaking, a lot feel it doesn’t make a dent in the exorbitant cost of childcare – particularly with fees increasing in some childcare settings.
There’s outrage and worry, no doubt about it, but page members wanted to point out that childcare issues are more complex than parents feeling ripped off by some service providers.
One member wrote: “It’s not the crèches’ fault that the system is the way it is. Wages for childcare workers aren’t livable and the job is hard, so you get a constant turnover of staff which is far from ideal for kids.
“Understaffed crèches means a crisis in terms of people not being able to get places. The NCS, while helpful, is a logistical nightmare and in my opinion, not fit for purpose. I really hope there is an overhaul and that it becomes affordable for both providers and parents. There are countries like Finland, Denmark and Germany where childcare and early years are practically free and workers are paid like teachers with degrees.”
One crèche owner contacted the page with some advice for parents; “I just wanted to make people aware that when applying for the NCS, there are two types of subsidies.
1) Universal – this is a standard rate that every person in Ireland is entitled to regardless of their income – the rate is €2.14 per hour from September.
2) Income assessed – this is where they look at your income or your joint income if you have a partner.
“It’s something a lot of people don’t know and therefore they will be automatically put on the standard rate. I hope this helps. We know how hard it is and crèches are not out to take your money and run. Most crèches are family run, just trying to make a wage themselves, putting in so many extra hours that you will never know, whilst wanting the best for your little kids.”
Information about the National Childcare Scheme is available on their website www.ncs.gov.ie with links about types of subsidy available and application methods. Many page members also suggested contacting Citizens Information to help figure out the best childcare option for each family. It’s a minefield and it seems that better financial regulation and better subsidies are urgently needed in the childcare sector.
Louise Flanagan is an admin of Letterkenny Babies Facebook page and the author of the children’s book series, Dragonterra and Dream Beasts. www.dragonterra.ie. Her Parenting column is featured every Thursday in the Donegal News.
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