As the new school year beckons, the Government has been urged this week to improve Early Years capacity in Budget 2025 – thus reducing the significant number of Galway children under the age of three who find themselves stuck on massive waiting lists.

The call comes from Early Childhood Ireland on foot of confirmation that there are 377 children under the age of one on crèche waiting lists in Galway and just five places available for them.

In addition, the Annual Early Years Sector Profile Survey – carried out by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth – reveals that there are 855 children aged between one and two on waiting lists and just 16 places available; and 682 children from two to three on waiting lists and 161 places available.

Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland Frances Byrne said that Ireland needed a system of national and local two-year and five-year planning cycles to ensure that there are enough places for children in their communities.

“We hear stories of parents putting their child’s name down for a crèche place before they’re even born,” she said.

“We know how many children are born in the state every year, and we need the government to enact a proper capacity planning system to meet the needs and rights of young children.

“Our 2024 Barometer, based on a national opinion poll, shows that an overwhelming majority (76%) of people in Ireland agree that every child should be guaranteed access to high-quality and inclusive Early Years and School Age Care in their community. It’s time that the government put a plan in place to make this happen,” she added.

To further support capacity planning, the organisation is asking the government to fully implement the National Action Plan for Childminding, which seeks to provide greater recognition and support for childminders, improve access to high-quality Early Years and School Age Care and offer families the chance to access financial supports.

“Childminding is an essential Early Years and School Age Care service for families and children. In other countries, families get a choice between a place with a childminder or one in an Early Years centre and this should be our ambition for children here too,” Ms Byrne said.

Early Childhood Ireland is also calling on the government to improve Family Leave entitlements, to prioritise the pay of graduates who work in Early Years and School Age Care settings, and to publish a five-year plan with a new investment target.

Pictured: Frances Byrne…Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland.