Vol. 508 No. 1
467 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the main provisions of new regulations issued regarding the operation of pre-schools; the number of pre-schools or playschools obliged to close down on the introduction of these regulations; the advice or assistance officials are giving to the pre-schools affected in respect of the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18536/99]
The purpose of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996, is to build on the existing good standards in our pre-school services and gradually improve standards throughout the sector to secure the health, safety and welfare of pre-school children and to promote the development of children attending pre-school services.
Under the regulations, pre-school providers are obliged to notify their local health board that they are carrying on, or proposing to carry on, a pre-school service. On receipt of notification the health board will provide relevant information to the applicant and arrange for an inspection to be carried out by an authorised person. The other main provisions of the regulations relate to adult-child ratios; number of children who may be catered for; the structure, fixtures and fittings, ventilation and sanitary accommodation of the premises; food preparation, storage and hygiene facilities; safety measures; facilities for rest and play and insurance.
Health boards provide a range of advice and assistance to pre-school providers. On the introduction of the regulations, the health boards held public information meetings and carried out information campaigns to ensure that providers were made fully aware of the inspection process and the requirement to notify the boards. At the pre-notification stage, and on receipt of a notification, health board pre-school services officers provide advice, guidance and support to the provider as necessary. This may involve a number of advisory visits and telephone contacts and also includes the provision of information literature. Information sessions and training on relevant topics are provided on an ongoing basis. Many of the boards also maintain close liaison with the national voluntary child care agencies and other relevant local agencies who are involved in providing advice and assistance to pre-school providers. Where deficiencies are identified during inspections, the health board and the providers work in a co-operative manner to make specific improvements in a planned way provided that any delay would not adversely affect the welfare of children. The timescale for making improvements varies from a requirement for immediate action to a phased implementation which may extend to six months.
