HSE reveals 183 crèche inspections in last year

By Denise McNamara

 The Health Service Executive has revealed that it carried out 183 routine inspections in Galway crèches and childcare facilities and investigated 30 complaints last year.

The HSE Children and Family Services in Galway also carried out 22 follow-up visits in the wake of its inspections, according to a statement issued by the agency following queries by the Connacht Sentinel in the wake of last week’s Prime Time documentary into crèches.

The pre-school service has five staff dedicated to the sector – a manager, three preschool service officers and a clerical officer.

“HSE Children and Family Services takes all complaints seriously and, if required, will carry out an inspection of the crèche/childcare facility following receipt of a complaint,” it said.

“When choosing a crèche or childcare facility for their child or if they have any concerns regarding the standard of the service provided in a crèche, parents can ask their crèche for a copy of the most recent inspection report. The HSE Children and Family Services intend to publish these inspection reports online in the coming months, so that they are more readily available to parents.

“Parents who may have a concern relating to their child care provider should firstly raise this with the service provider. In the vast majority of cases the management of the service can take action to resolve the concerns.

“However, if a parent is not satisfied with the response provided by the childcare service then they can contact Children and Family Services Inspectors who will investigate their concerns.”

Nationally, the agency said crèches received a visit from an inspector on average every 18-24 months.

“This compares favorably with other jurisdictions where visits take place, for example in the UK every 3-4 years,” the HSE said.

The owner of one of the biggest city crèches who spoke to the Connacht Sentinel revealed they had not had an inspection for over three years.

“It’s all about paperwork. If there’s anything wrong with the building, a minor thing, you’re almost told the building is derelict. They have all these theories, but it’s not reality, it’s all about theory,” revealed the owner, who asked not to be identified.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.