I won’t start this with “I don’t know about you guys” because, truthfully, almost everyone I have spoken to all agree on this one thing: securing childcare is extremely difficult.
Right now, I know two people facing this issue:
• One couple is expecting a baby and already on a few waiting lists and their baby isn’t even born yet!
•The other couple have a three year old who has been on a waiting list since she was a few months old and up until now, still hasn’t been offered a place.
That alone is pressure enough and everyone keeps saying, “Apply the minute you find out you’re pregnant.” I took this advice to heart and now tell all my friends considering having kids in Ireland, because it’s not an exaggeration; it’s a harsh reality.
So, are we now expected to apply for childcare the moment we start planning for a baby? It seems a bit mad, but at this rate, maybe not.
Maternity Leave vs. Childcare Availability
The urgency for applying for childcare depends on personal circumstances. For those returning to work or taking up employment, a timeline in line with maternity leave commonly goes something like this:
- Take at least two weeks off before the baby is due.
- Take 26 weeks of basic maternity leave.
- Take 16 additional weeks of maternity leave.
In total, this gives parents about 10 months (44 weeks) before needing childcare. You would think that 10 months would be enough time to secure a spot somewhere – but the reality is, it simply isn’t.
So…What Can You Do?
Apply, apply, apply. Then, follow up.
I’m not suggesting calling every two minutes – childcare workers are some of the busiest people going. I struggle with just my two boys at home, let alone looking after a room full of 10+ children! These guys are truly superheroes. On top of caring for children, they also handle admin tasks like managing waiting lists. So, while it’s important to check in, we also need to be mindful that they are doing their best.
Childcare Availability in Rural Ireland
I’m not sure how the statistics compare in cities like Dublin, but here in Kilkenny, finding childcare in rural areas like where we are is particularly challenging and limiting. Based on reports here:
- Only 37% of Early Years and School Age Care services are based in rural areas (Pobal’s 2020/21 Early Years Sector Profile Report).
- On average, a childcare facility is located 1.6km from a residential dwelling.
This limited availability makes it even harder for parents in rural areas to secure a spot.
Childcare & Schooling depending on Age
Children in Ireland must be at least four years old to start school.
My husband and I are both working in town, the drive is about 40 minutes each way, and we have two boys who are what are often called “Irish twins.” A lot of perks have come from this when they were babies and toddlers, and the perks keep coming: Our youngest has just barely made it into the same class as his brother! His birthday falls just one day before the cut-off date for enrolment to primary school, so while he will be the youngest in his class, at least they’ll be together.
Had he not been accepted because he was too young, it would have meant dealing with commuting across town for drop-offs and pick-ups. The traffic during school hours is already chaotic, and splitting pickups between different locations would be nearly impossible for us.
The Challenge of Shift Work and non-standard Hours
Working full-time while juggling school runs has my husband and me feeling anxious. Thankfully, both of our jobs are weekday-only, but my work schedule is unpredictable. I have to work one of three shifts, and depending on which shift I’m on, balancing the school run with my job is getting me stressed.
This uncertainty makes the transition to school less of an exciting milestone and more of a logistical nightmare. Unless more flexible hours can be arranged or a fully remote job opens up, we may struggle to manage everything.
The Cost of Childcare
A certain plus to all this? Our childcare costs will decrease significantly.
You can’t compare the annual contribution amount for school to the hefty fees of a crèche or private minder. In Kilkenny, the average crèche fees range from €640–€880 per month according to a search carried out by the Irish Times. I am beyond relieved to have this one less expense to deal with.
What’s the story with School Meals?
Another topic I’ve been researching non-stop and still don’t fully understand is school meals. Here’s what I’ve gathered:
- Previously, only DEIS schools received funding for hot meals.
- As of this year, all schools are eligible.
- What remains unclear is whether the meals are free or if parents have to pay based on a pricing model found here.
If anyone has clarity on this, please let me know! Otherwise, I’ll have to wait until September when my boys start school to update this information.
The “It Takes a Village” Reality
I’ve said it before but this is where I agree with this expression again and again, “It takes a village to raise a child”. It really hits home in circumstances like these where you have to think outside your typical circle.
If you have family nearby, they can help with school runs. If not, you’re left with two options:
- After-school care (if your school offers it).
- Private childcare, which is also very costly!
For those working weekends or nights (e.g., in healthcare and factory workers), the struggle is even greater. This article I read recently summed up the challenges working parents face so it’s good to know though its all very overwhelming, other parents are doing it and somehow managing so its do-able.
Transport in Rural Towns
When we received our boys’ school acceptance letter, it included a link to the transport service and its schedules. This was really helpful. However, I personally feel my boys are too young to take the bus alone.
Luckily, I learned to drive and passed my test late last year – one less thing to worry about! But I can only imagine the added stress for other rural parents who rely on limited public transport or another person for a lift.
In our town we see the public bus maybe three times a day – and that’s not an exaggeration. If you miss that bus, you’re stranded.
On the plus side, I have seen that rural school buses do stop outside each child’s house, which is a relief -especially in winter months when walking home would be tough.
I hope that, just as the school meal programs have expanded beyond DEIS schools, rural transport will also improve in the near future.
Big changes coming up!
All in all, big changes are coming! While I’m excited – especially since my boys are so eager to start school, it’s also very overwhelming. Seeing them grow is so bittersweet.
Yes, I will absolutely be a wreck on their first day which is why I’ve already booked a day off work for their first day in primary school. But as much as I’m looking forward to this new chapter, the logistics of it all bring us a lot of stress.
Thankfully, there are many helpful resources online. One site I found particularly useful had a search feature where you could filter options by type (Montessori, after-school care) and location (Kilkenny). For those in this process I’m sure it will be very helpful in planning and hopefully make your childcare search much easier.
Final Thoughts
Childcare in Ireland is still a challenge, especially in rural areas. For expectant parents, the advice you have probably heard before is not an exaggeration, apply early! apply as soon as possible. For those transitioning out of crèche and into school, do your research on things such as transport, after schools, school meals to make it easier.
We still have a few months for all these changes and in the process of preparing as best as we can. I keep thinking of it this way: we have been winging everything so far and taking it as it comes, we will do the same for whatever comes and it will be fine!
I’d love to hear from other parents – how has your experience been with childcare and schooling? Drop a comment below!
Useful resources:
https://www.irishlifehealth.ie/blog/tips-for-returning-to-work-after-having-a-baby
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ca775-school-meals-scheme-your-questions-answered
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41536916.html
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