The draft legislation forms part of major reform to the country's pre-school services, sparked by a television exposé, which revealed below-standard care and mistreatment of children at some of the country’s nurseries.
The proposed Pre-School Quality Agenda, brought forward by the children’s minister Frances Fitzgerald, covers registration, regulation and enforcement of early years settings.
Under the new measures, all nurseries and crèches will be required to register with the HSE, the body responsible for providing health and social care in Ireland and currently inspecting services.
At present, providers only need to notify the inspectorate of their intention to open a setting.
Inspectors will also be granted new enforcement powers, allowing them to threaten the removal of registration.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here