Social distancing "won't work" with children at playschool ages, according to a creche workers' group.
The Association of Childcare Professionals says it's going to be an issue when creches start to reopen from the end of June.
Owners want their staff to be listed as essential workers so they can can set up for their reopening on the 29th of June.
The government plan is to organise small groups of children and an individual worker as a pod to limit the possible spread of covid-19.
However an industry survey has found 85 per cent of creche owners name implementing social distancing as their prime concern.
Childcare is expected to open on June 29, for essential families. Loads of preparation is needed but operators can’t get into buildings as #childcare itself is still not on the essential list. This must be addressed urgently. https://t.co/PwtvunksfJ
— Teresa Heeney (@TeresaHeeney) May 23, 2020
It "Won't Work" With Playschool Aged Children
While Joan O'Sullivan from the Association of Childcare Professionals says the youngest kids just don't understand what's happening.
"Three four and five year olds I think are understanding what's happening. A lot of them understand quite well."
"Four and five year olds, six year olds, they tend to be in school."
"But one to three year olds, it's very very difficult for them."
"As soon as creches start to re-open, we've all accepted that social distancing just won't work in the very earliest ages."
Owners Might Have To Ration Space
Meanwhile providers may have to hold onto places for the children of essential workers.
Owners also want their staff named "essential workers" ahead of any re-opening.
Joan says the room might have to be held because staff will possibly have to stay away themselves.
"That is probably our hardest decision."
"If childcare staff are working during the summer and they have their own children, they'd typically have summer camps.
"They might have grandparents or the children would come with them [staff] into the childcare service."
"We're going to see a huge change in that now because we're reducing our numbers but we're probably needing the same level of staff."
