Childcare: main recommendations

A summary of recommendations contained in the National Economic and Social Forum's Early Childhood Care and Education report.

A summary of recommendations contained in the National Economic and Social Forum's Early Childhood Care and Education report.

Free pre-school or early childhood care and education session for each child for a year before they go to primary school

Extend maternity leave by two weeks over the next five years, resulting in 26 weeks paid leave

Access to a quality early childhood education and care services for parents who do not wish to stay at home for the baby's first year

New primary schools should include campus-style developments, so they are better suited to providing after-school care

Childminder networks should be developed. Childcare workers should be required to be accredited.

Source: National Economic and Social Forum's Early Childhood Care and Education report

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter