Acknowledgements
This report was researched and compiled by Jo Connon (Independent Childcare
Consultant) under contract to Wicklow County Childcare Committee.
The Wicklow County Childcare Committee would like to thank the childcare
providers and childminders of County Wicklow for participating in this research.
1
Section 1: Socio Economic & Demographic Profile of Co. Wicklow
This report is an update on a piece of research undertaken by Wicklow County Childcare
Committee in May 2006 entitled ‘a Strategic Profile of Childcare Service Provision in
Co. Wicklow, May 2006’. In that document a detailed socio economic and demographic
profile of Co. Wicklow was prepared. Much of the data in this profile is still relevant
today as the documents used in its preparation are still current. These include Wicklow
County Development Plan 2004-2010, Socio Economic Profile of County Wicklow
prepared by Social Inclusion Unit, Community and Enterprise Section, Wicklow County
Council, 2005 and Poverty Profile of County Wicklow, a joint project by Wicklow
County Council’s Social Inclusion Unit and the Social Inclusion Measures Group of
Wicklow’s County Development Board, 2005. This profile is thus included in it’s
original format as appendix 1 in the current report.
The results of the 2006 census of population have been made available in the interim and
below is a brief synopsis of the data relevant to Co. Wicklow.
 Wicklow is one of the most rapidly growing counties in Ireland today. Its population
increased from 114,676 in 2002 to 126,194 in 2006, an increase of 11,518 people.
 A number of areas in Co. Wicklow more than doubled in population in the 15 year
period from 1991 to 2006. These include near Blessington (Burgage 139%), Arklow
(Arklow No.2 Urban 124%), Wicklow (Wicklow Rural 111%) and Kilcoole (100%).
 At the time of the 2006 Census 21.5% (27,137) of the total population in the county
was aged 14 years or under. See table 1 for a breakdown by age in individual ED’s.
 In 2006, there were 24,833 family units with children in Wicklow. 16.3% of families
have children at pre-school level and 15,410 families have at least one child under 15
years of age. This means that 34.8% of households have families with children under
15 years compared to 31.4% of households nationally.
 The proportion of lone parents (as a proportion of all households with dependent
children) in Ireland exactly doubled between 1991 (10.7%) and 2006 (21.3%)
Wicklow had a rate of 21.2% in 2006; i.e. equal to the national average. Reflecting
the urban-rural dichotomy, the Bray Partnership area (27.5%) has a much higher rate
2
than the County Wicklow Partnership area (19.3%). In Bray No. 1 (47.7%) and
Rathmichael (46.2%), nearly every second household with dependent children is a
single parent household. These are exceptionally high concentrations of single parent
households. (Gamma, 2008)
Table 1: Population aged 0-14years in each ED, 2006
ED
Arklow No1 Urban
Arklow No2 Urban
Bray No. 1
Bray No. 2
Bray No. 3
Rathmichael
Wicklow Urban
Ballinguile
Baltinglass
Blessington
Burgage
Donaghmore
Donard
Dunlavin
Eadestown
Hartstown
Hollywood
Humewood
Imael North
Imael South
Kilbride
Lackan
Lugglass
Rathdangan
Rathsallagh
Stratford
Talbotstown
The Grange
Tober
Togher
Tuckmill
Delgany
Enniskerry
Greystones
Kilmacanoge
Powerscourt
Altidore
<1
yr
168
41
24
53
73
34
101
3
48
77
45
7
4
20
4
2
10
2
6
2
18
11
2
5
3
1
6
3
14
3
4
99
27
80
212
5
5
1&2
yrs
319
89
46
123
142
52
192
7
68
156
61
9
20
43
7
11
19
9
5
6
18
22
7
11
8
5
14
8
17
9
8
172
73
160
449
10
7
3&4
yrs
295
72
41
113
150
61
179
4
91
147
52
11
14
35
4
8
25
14
10
5
21
19
7
5
9
17
8
12
19
3
8
174
85
204
442
17
7
0-4
yrs
782
202
111
289
365
147
472
14
207
380
158
27
38
98
15
21
54
25
21
13
57
52
16
21
20
23
28
23
50
15
20
445
185
444
1103
32
19
2006 Population Aged
5&6
7&8
9&10
yrs
yrs
yrs
283
65
26
110
161
90
176
10
94
120
46
8
11
61
6
8
21
9
9
8
25
20
4
11
5
12
10
12
17
9
8
155
88
204
466
21
4
255
66
25
90
125
87
181
4
77
119
35
11
16
42
3
10
26
5
7
8
24
15
6
12
6
11
9
14
16
7
5
135
87
214
463
27
9
216
72
21
82
140
94
188
5
81
120
58
4
13
55
8
15
19
7
6
7
29
22
2
11
6
15
12
15
12
12
5
134
91
157
399
35
7
11&12
yrs
222
88
19
95
116
77
195
4
73
102
30
13
11
39
7
12
20
8
4
6
31
22
6
10
6
14
10
16
17
8
10
145
86
196
441
32
6
13&14
yrs
216
74
21
114
150
101
192
2
64
107
38
12
10
42
3
8
23
6
2
3
28
19
4
5
5
16
10
7
12
11
4
155
89
244
512
31
7
5-14
yrs
1192
365
112
491
692
449
932
25
389
568
207
48
61
239
27
53
109
35
28
32
137
98
22
49
28
68
51
64
74
47
32
724
441
1015
2281
146
33
3
Arklow Rural
Aughrim
Avoca
Ballinaclash
Ballinacor
Ballinderry
Ballyarthur
Ballycullen
Brockagh
Calary
Cronebane
Dunganstown East
Dunganstown South
Dunganstown West
Ennereilly
Glendalough
Glenealy
Kilbride
Kilcoole
Killiskey
Knockrath
Moneystown
Newcastle Lower
Newcastle Upper
Oldtown
Rathdrum
Togher
Trooperstown
Wicklow Rural
Aghowle
Ballingate
Ballinglen
Ballybeg
Carnew
Coolattin
Coolballintaggart
Coolboy
Cronelea
Kilballyowen
Killinure
Kilpipe
Money
Rath
Shillelagh
Tinahely
15
41
12
12
2
6
8
1
8
3
5
11
14
6
8
4
40
5
135
16
8
4
28
56
10
27
12
7
122
4
7
2
4
32
3
6
9
0
2
6
6
2
7
12
23
32
55
19
19
11
17
36
7
21
8
16
12
36
8
13
9
77
16
224
27
9
7
71
93
13
69
33
11
278
6
11
8
6
51
2
16
15
3
9
5
16
5
5
22
54
39
41
35
19
7
13
41
1
15
14
14
30
30
12
9
5
80
11
191
40
6
5
70
93
17
59
36
17
233
4
7
4
4
34
3
9
15
3
8
11
11
2
7
9
43
86
137
66
50
20
36
85
9
44
25
35
53
80
26
30
18
197
32
550
83
23
16
169
242
40
155
81
35
633
14
25
14
14
117
8
31
39
6
19
22
33
9
19
43
120
33
40
13
27
13
9
34
6
25
5
12
19
30
16
11
6
72
17
189
27
7
6
56
99
18
55
28
12
236
6
14
6
7
42
5
20
15
4
8
8
14
2
9
18
39
22
38
16
17
4
16
26
8
11
9
9
14
27
10
15
9
56
18
166
32
8
10
62
107
10
58
25
10
216
5
8
5
3
42
10
12
16
4
9
7
8
3
6
11
50
33
27
21
20
6
17
26
4
23
7
19
12
20
16
14
8
76
21
183
35
3
12
47
90
17
69
29
8
182
7
8
8
7
44
9
11
14
3
8
15
13
4
9
12
46
30
32
22
18
4
13
26
7
12
4
14
15
23
14
15
6
64
25
160
33
7
11
39
102
15
62
11
8
185
6
16
8
6
38
8
12
12
3
4
10
10
2
6
18
50
33
28
20
18
12
9
29
6
11
11
22
7
27
7
9
7
80
20
162
41
5
7
59
96
14
66
12
6
146
5
12
6
11
46
10
10
8
1
6
6
11
4
6
14
51
151
165
92
100
39
64
141
31
82
36
76
67
127
63
64
36
348
101
860
168
30
46
263
494
74
310
105
44
965
29
58
33
34
212
42
65
65
15
35
46
56
15
36
73
236
4
Section 2: Previous Research & Methodology
Previous Research on the Level of Childcare Provision in Co. Wicklow
The first comprehensive survey of childcare services in Ireland was undertaken by Pobal
(then ADM Ltd.) in 1999. A total of 101 services were contacted in Co. Wicklow, of
which 88 completed the full census questionnaire. At that time there were 68 sessional
facilities and 20 full daycare facilities. School aged childcare and childminding services
were not accounted for in this research.
In October 2001 Wicklow County Childcare Committee commissioned a group of
consultants to undertake research in this area also. A total of 103 services were
identified, of which 74 were sessional preschool services, 21 were full daycare, 6 were
drop in services and two were childminders.
In 2004, Wicklow County Childcare Committee conducted a further audit of childcare
services in the County. At that time, there were 112 providers offering a service for
preschool children (0-4 years) and 12 services catering for children aged 5-12 years. A
breakdown of services offering sessional and full daycare is not available.
The forerunner to this research was an audit of childcare services in Co. Wicklow
undertaken in May 2006. A total of 123 centre based providers and a further 59
childminders took part in the research. At that time, 101 services offered a preschool
sessional service for children age 3-5 years. 28 facilities provided fulldaycare and 23
School Aged Childcare.
2009 Childcare Census
The current research was undertaken during the months of January and February 2009.
The aim of the research was:
To create an updated Strategic Profile of current childcare service provision in
County Wicklow, with an analysis of the unmet childcare needs in the County by
geographical area, service type and age group.
5
The results of the strategic profile of childcare service provision in Co. Wicklow
undertaken in May 2006 was used as a baseline for the current research.
Methodology
Two items of field research were considered for this piece of work. Firstly data on the
number of childcare places in the County collected by WCCC in the period October to
December 2008 and secondly a survey was conducted as part of the research in January
2009 to elicit all remaining information required. This included:
Contact details
Operational details of services (opening hours, age group catered for, numbers
attending etc.
Staffing information
Details of Premises
Fees
Details of Special Needs Children attending childcare services
A copy of the full questionnaire used is included in Appendix 2. This survey was sent to
all childcare services notified to the HSE in County Wicklow in January 2009. An
additional survey was targeted at childminders in the County. A purpose designed
database was created to mirror the information requested on the questionnaire. A range
of queries and reports were formed to analyze the data. The remainder of this report
presents the results of the survey.
6
Section 3: Results of the Childcare Providers Survey
Number of services
A total of 165 childcare services were notified to the HSE in Co. Wicklow in January
2009. 11 of these were statutory notified as home based childminders and are not
included in this part of the research. The remainder were posted the questionnaire
outlined in Appendix 2 and requested to return it to the researcher. Those who did not
return it by the due date were further contacted by phone. Six of those listed are not
operational and therefore did not take part in the research. Of the remaining 150 services,
129 took part, representing an 86% response rate. 141 (94%) took part in the research
conducted in late 2008. (Only one service did not take part in either survey)
Table 10 lists all childcare services operational in County Wicklow in February 2009,
denotes what ED each is located in and outlines all the services offered by the provider.
There are a total of 121 services offering a preschool sessional service for children age
3-5 years. 100 are exclusively playgroup or montessori facilities during school terms. 8
offer a preschool service in the morning and a school aged childcare service in the
afternoon. 31 facilities provide fulldaycare. Of these 4 also offer preschool and 8 provide
school age childcare, a further 8 provide all three services. There is only one exclusively
school aged childcare service in the County located in Baltinglass. Three providers offer
a breakfast club and there is two drop in facilities. Three services run for part time hours,
i.e. more than 3½ per day and less than 5.
7
Table 10: Active Childcare Services, Co. Wicklow, 2009
A Place To Grow Montessori
43 Marlton Demesne, Marlton Rd., Wicklow,
Co. Wicklow
15,066
Wicklow Rural
Absolute Beginners Creche
4 Bellevue Heights, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
15,032
Delgany
Acorns
Eire Og GAA Club, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
15034
Greystones
Aisling Childcare
'Invicta', Monastery, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
132 Applewood Heights, Greystones, Co.
Wicklow
Masonic Hall, Ferrybank, Arklow, Co.
Wicklow
15,033
Enniskerry
15,032
Delgany
*
15,001
Arklow No. 1 Urban
15,057
Killisky
*
*
Ashvale Creche
'St. Judes', Ashford, Co. Wicklow
Ballynerrin Upper, Wicklow Town, Co.
Wicklow
15,066
Wicklow Rural
Avoca Community Playgroup
Community Hall, Avoca, Co. Wicklow
15,040
Avoca
Avoca Montessori School
4 Avoca Wood, Avoca, Co. Wicklow
Brockagh Centre, Laragh, Glendalough, Co.
Wicklow
Brighton Hall, Brighton Terrace, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
15,040
Not
Assigned
Avoca
15,005
Bray No. 3
15,063
Rathdrum
*
Bellevue Montessori School
Fairgreen, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow
The Grooms House, Bellevue, Delgany, Co.
Wicklow
15,032
Delgany
Belmont Montessori
235 Belmont, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Blackberry Academy
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
Blath na Oige
32 Blackberry Glade, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
St. Kevins Community Centre, Blessington,
Co. Wicklow
*
*
*
15,010
Blessington
*
Bray Women's Refuge
Heatherwood, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Briarwood Montessori
10 Briarwood, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,035
Not
Assigned
Applewood Pre School Playgroup
Ark Community Playgroup Ltd.
Ashford Montessori School
Bambams Play and Learn
Bambino’s Creche
Bellevue Creche & Playgroup
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
8
*
*
*
Drop in Service
Breakfast Club
ED
School Age
Childcare
ED
Number
Full Daycare
Address
Part-time
Service Name
Sessional
Services Offered
Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Arklow, Co.
Wicklow
St. Killians Family Centre, Greystones, Co.
Wicklow
Not
Assigned
15,034
Greystones
C/o 27 Avalon, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
5 Claremount Terrace, Meath Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
15,001
Arklow No. 1 Urban
15,004
Bray No.2
15,039
Aughrim
*
*
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt
*
15,056
Kilcoole
*
15,056
Kilcoole
*
15,032
Delgany
*
15,034
Greystones
*
Clare Elizabeth Creche
Killacloran, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow
Ballyramon Commons, Kilmacanogue, Bray,
Co. Wicklow
Charlesland Court, The Glen, Greystones, Co.
Wicklow
132 Charlesland Grove, Charlesland,
Greystones, Co. Wicklow
21 Earlscroft, Greystones Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
"Knockrath", Church Lane, Greystones, Co.
Wicklow
11 Ellerslie Villas, Sidmonton Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
15,004
Bray No.2
Cosy Kids
Johnstown Lodge, Kilpeddar, Co. Wicklow
15,061
Newcastle Upper
Cocoon Childcare
New Town Centre, Blessington
15,010
Blessington
Cosy Tots
Coolattin Road, Carnew, Co. Wicklow
15,071
Carnew
Creative Arts Venture – The Cave
High Street, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow
15,007
Wicklow Urban
Crescent Montessori Preschool
46 Ardmore Crescent, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,005
Bray No. 3
Deepdales Montessori
15,035
Kilmacanoge
Donard/Glen Community Playgroup
109 Deepdales, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Donard/Glen Community Hall, Donard, Co.
Wicklow
15.013
Donard
Dunlavin Community Playgroup
Church Road, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow
15,014
Dunlavin
Early Days Montessori School
Kouloura, Mount Alto, Ashford, Co. Wicklow
St. Peter’s School, Castlepark, Arklow, Co.
Wicklow
Cois Coillte, Church Rd., Enniskerry, Co.
Wicklow
15,054
Glenealy
*
*
*
15,001
Arklow No. 1
*
15,033
Enniskerry
15,001
Arklow No. 1 Urban
*
*
Flynnstones Playschool
35 Cluan Ard, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
'Ellesmere', Church Road, Greystones, Co.
Wicklow
15,034
Greystones
Footprints Montessori
8 Carrig Villas, Killincarrig, Co. Wicklow
15,034
Greystones
Forever Friends
39 Ballybeg, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow
15,066
Wicklow Rural
Bridgewater Playhouse
Bright Sparks
Building Blocks Montessori Preschool
Busy Beavers Preschool
Busy Fingers Pre-school
Calary Pre School
Charlesland Childcare
Charlesland Grove Montessori
Childsplay Community Playgroup
Church Lane Montessori School
Early Days Pre School
Enniskerry Montessori
First Steps Playschool & Creche
*
9
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Greystones Montessori
St. Patrick's Worship & Recreation Centre,
Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Glenview Hotel, Glen O' The Downs, Delgany,
Co. Wicklow
15,034
Greystones
*
15,032
Delgany
178 Redford Park, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Ravenswell N.S., St. Philomena’s, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
Blessington Education Centre, Blessington, Co.
Wicklow
15,034
Greystones
*
*
15,003
Bray No.1
*
15,010
Blessington
St. Peter’s N.S., Bray, Co. Wicklow
Parish Centre, Herbert Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
15,006
Rathmichael
*
*
15,005
Bray No.3
120 Newcourt Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow
9A Oldcourt Park, Soldier's Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
15,004
Bray No.2
*
*
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
*
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
Jackanory Childcare & Montessori
39 Wexford Road, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
1 Charlesland Park, Charlesland, Greystones,
Co. Wicklow
15,056
Kilcoole
Jellybeans
60 Knockmore, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
Jennifer Doyle
14 Holts Crescent, Tinahely
15,082
Tinahely
Jenny Byrne Nolan
15,081
Shillelagh
Jenny’s Pre School
Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow
Community Centre, Moneystown, Co.
Wicklow
15,059
Moneystown
Kangakare
Woodlands, Lamberton, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
Kids Aloud - Baltinglass SAC Initiative
16 Parkmore, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow
15,009
Baltinglass
Kilcoole Kids Montessori
15,056
Kilcoole
*
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
*
Kilmacanogue Playgroup Ltd.
Parish Centre, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
Kilmacanogue NS, Kilmacanogue, Co.
Wicklow
Kilmacanogue Primary School, Kilmacanogue,
Co. Wicklow
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Kilpedder Montessori
6 Kilpedder Grove, Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow
15,061
Newcastle Upper
Knockeevin Montessori School
15,034
Greystones
15,043
Ballinderry
*
Ladybirds Creche
Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Black Hills, Ballinabarney, Wicklow, Co.
Wicklow
Wicklow Further Education Centre, The
Murrough, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow
*
*
*
15,007
Wicklow Urban
L'ecole Montessori
Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, , ,
15,060
Newcastle Lower
Lillian Muldowney Playgroup
149 Ardmore Park, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,005
Bray No.3
Lir Playschool
Lir, Bellevue Hill, Delgany, Co. Wicklow
15,032
Delgany
Gymbo's
Happy Days Creche
Happy Days Playschool
Happy Faces Playgroup
Hollyoaks Montessori
Holy Redeemer Community Playgroup
Irene’s Playgroup
Jack & Jill Playschool
Jack & Jill's VTOS Creche
Kilmacanogue Montessori
Labrinth Pre School
10
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Liscolman Preschool
Liscolman, Coolkenno, Tullow, Co. Wicklow
15,080
Rath
Little Acorn's Playschool
Little Angles Club Playschool &
Montessori
St. Brigid's Hall, Carnew, Co. Wicklow
15,071
Carnew
1 Ocean Crest, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
15,001
Arklow No. 1
Little Bo-Peep Playgroup
21 Abbey Park, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
Little Dino’s
10 Bayview Grange, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
15,007
Wicklow Urban
Little Feet Creche & Preschool
33 Parkmore, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow
15,009
Baltinglass
Little Green Giants
15,056
Kilcoole
15,033
Enniskerry
*
Little Monkeys Playschool
2 Lott Lane, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
"Stonehaven", Parknasillogue, Enniskerry, Co.
Wicklow
"Avonbeg", Marlton Park, Wicklow Town, Co.
Wicklow
15,066
Wicklow Rural
*
Little Peoples Academy
Vevay Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,005
Bray No.3
Little Poppets Creche & Montessori
99 Woodstock, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
15,056
Kilcoole
Little Rascals Montessori
Main Street, Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow
15,081
Shillelagh
Little Treasures
14 Lower Main Street, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
Marian Pre School & Family Centre
Greenpark Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,003
Bray No.1
Mayfield Preschool
Ravenswell, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,003
Bray No.1
Naionra Bealach Chonglais
Chapel Hill, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow
Marine House, The Murrough, Wicklow, Co.
Wicklow
24 Rear Boghall Cottages, Boghall Road, Bray,
Co. Wicklow
15,009
Baltinglass
*
*
*
*
*
15,007
Wicklow Urban
*
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
15,005
Bray No.3
*
*
Newcastle Community Playgroup
Newtownmountkennedy Community
Playgroup
Bothar Vevay, Bre, Co. Wicklow
Newcastle Community Centre, Newcastle, Co.
Wicklow
St. Joseph’s Centre, Newtownmountkennedy,
Co. Wicklow
15,060
Newcastle Lower
*
15,061
Newcastle Upper
*
Oak Glen Happy Days Creche
20 Oak Glen View, SCR, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Orahova Montessori
15,034
Greystones
*
Piccolini Playgroup
Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
St. Mary’s GAA Club, Kilgarron, Enniskerry,
Co. Wicklow
15,033
Enniskerry
*
Pinocchio's Creche
3 Florence Terrace, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,004
Bray No.2
Pixies Creche & Preschool
162A Fernhill, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
8 Marlton Park, Marlton Road, Wicklow Town,
Co. Wicklow
Mount Carmel, Coolgreaney Road, Arklow,
Co. Wicklow
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
*
15,066
Wicklow Rural
*
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
*
Little Haven Pre-school
Naionra Cill Maintain Montessori
Naionra Tir Na nOg
Naionra Ui Cheadaigh
Play & Learn
Poppins Playschool & Day Centre
11
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Postman Pat’s
Woodville, St. Patrick’s Valley, Wicklow, Co.
Wicklow
Charlesland Centre, Charlesland, Greystones,
Co. Wicklow
74 Pebble Bay, Friars Hill, Wicklow, Co.
Wicklow
*
15,066
Wicklow Rural
15,056
Kilcoole
15,066
Wicklow Rural
Woodfield Glen, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow
4 Brennans Terrace, Strand Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
Redcross Community Centre, Redcross, Co.
Wiclow
Community Hall, Annacurra, Aughrim, Co.
Wicklow
15,027
Talbotstown
*
*
15,004
Bray No.2
*
15,044
Not
Assigned
Ballyarthur
*
15,005
Bray No.3
*
*
Roundwood Community Playgroup
Ardmore Park, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Old School, Main Street, Roundwood, Co.
Wicklow
15,064
Togher
Roundwood Montessori Pre-school
Knocktemple, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow
15,037
Altidore
Sakura Montessori & Playschool
Main Street, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
80 Saran Wood, Killanney Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
15,010
Blessington
15,005
Bray No.3
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Smarties Preschool
25A Bentley Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow
18 Glenvale Park, Wicklow Town, Co.
Wicklow
15,007
Wicklow Urban
Stay and Play
Main St., Stratford on Slaney, Co. Wicklow
15,026
Stratford
Sonasamh
Parkmore, Baltinglass,Co. Wicklow
15,009
Baltinglass
St. Fergals Resource Centre Ltd.
107 Oldcourt Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Puroga Childcare
Rainbows
Rainbow Preschool & Montessori
Rainbows End Preschool
Redcross Montessori Pre-school
Riverwood Montessori
Roly Polys Pre School
Saran Wood Creche
Scallywags
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Thornhill Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow
15,006
Rathmichael
The Abbey Pre School
15,010
Blessington
The Corner House Kindergarten
Blessington Abbey, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
The Old School House,
Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow
15,066
Wicklow Rural
The Honeypot Playschool
"Sarnia", Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
15,056
Kilcoole
The Laragh Farm Pre-School
Laragh East, Laragh, Co. Wicklow
15,046
Brockagh
The Little Rascals Playgroup
115 Wicklow Heights, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow
15,066
Wicklow Rural
The Little Red Hen Pre-school
15,039
Aughrim
15,033
Enniskerry
*
The Park Academy
Crone, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow
Enniskerry Sports & Community Centre,
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
Woodies Retail Park, Southern Cross, Bray,
Co. Wicklow
*
*
*
*
*
15,035
Kilmacanoge
The Park Academy
Eden Gate, Delgany, Co. Wicklow
15,032
Delgany
12
*
*
*
St. Gerard's Montessori School
The Meadows Playschool
*
*
*
*
*
The Tree House Montessori
Lackagh, Manor, Kilbride, Blessington, Co.
Wicklow
*
*
15,010
Blessington
15,056
Kilcoole
The Wind in the Willows
Adare, Main Street, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
10 Millbank, Killincarrig, Greystones, Co.
Wicklow
15,034
Greystones
Tiddlywinks
254 Redford Park, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
15,034
Greystones
Tinahely Community Playgroup Ltd.
Lugduff, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
15,082
Tinahely
Tinkerbell Preschool Ltd.
Tiny Tots - Bray & North Wicklow
Youthreach
Talbotstown, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow
Sunbeam House, Veavy Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
15,017
Talbotstown
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Tiny Tots Preschool
8A Merry Meeting, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow
15,066
Wicklow Rural
Tippy's Preschool
Ballinahinch, Ashford, Co. Wicklow
Carriglineen, Glenmalure, Rathdrum, Co.
Wicklow
15,057
Killisky
15,058
Knockrath
42 Abbeyville, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
Coral Leisure Centre, Ferrybank, Arklow, Co.
Wicklow
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
15,002
Arklow No. 2 Urban
Sea Road, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
Bray Adult Education Centre, Putland Road,
Bray, Co. Wicklow
Westfield House, Sidmonton Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
C/o Wicklow Child & Family Project, The
Mall, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow
Farnova, 4 Dunbur Close, Wicklow, Co.
Wicklow
Glenlucan House, Killarney Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
Glenlucan House, Killarney Road, Bray, Co.
Wicklow
15,056
Kilcoole
15,004
Bray No.2
15,004
Bray No.2
*
15,007
Wicklow Urban
*
15,007
Wicklow Urban
*
15,005
Bray No. 3
*
15,035
Kilmacanoge Pt.
*
The Village Montessori
Tir na nOg Playgroup
Tir Na Nog Pre School
Twinklers Montessori
Vella Montessori
Wee Tot's Creche
Westfield Montessori School
Wicklow Family Learning Programme
Winnie the Pooh
Woodlands Montessori
Zebedee's Montessori Preschool
13
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Table 2 compares the results of the 2006 audit of childcare services and the current
research regarding numbers of services and places available for various types of
childcare in the county. The current research introduced a new category of part time
services which is defined as services operating more than 3 ½ hours and less than 5
hours per day. Previously such services would have been classified as full daycare
services.
In 2006, there were 101 services offering a sessional preschool service for children
aged 3-5 years. This has increased to 125 in 2009 and the number of places available
has increased from 1,781 in 2006 to 2,309 in 2009, representing a 29.65% increase.
24 ED’s experienced an increase in numbers of preschool places available, 11 a
decline and in 47 ED’s there was no change in the level of provision. Of the services
to which no ED has been assigned, there was also a significant increase in numbers.
(Note: In 2006, a larger number of services did not take part in the research and were
therefore not accounted for in the results).
For comparison purposes with the 2006 research, part time and full daycare places are
combined as the part time category was not considered in 2006 and such places were
considered full daycare places. There has been an overall increase of 531 full daycare
or part time places countywide since 2006. At ED level, 9ED’s experienced an
increase in place numbers, 5 have reduced numbers in 2009 and 68 remained at the
same level. There was also an increase in the numbers to which no ED has been
assigned. Of those ED’s that remained at the same level of provision, 66 had no
service in 2006 and this is still the case today.
School Age Childcare places in the County experienced a significant decline since
2006. At that time there were 545 places compared to 396 today. This represents a
27.34% reduction in places. 63 ED’s remained at the same level of provision, 11 saw
an increase in numbers (as did those services not assigned an ED) and 8 have reduced
numbers today compared to 2006. 65 ED’s have no school aged childcare provision.
Table 3 compares population with numbers of childcare places available. The
majority of children attending sessional preschool services are aged 3 or 4 years,
therefore an analysis of the number of such places available were undertaken against
14
the population of 3-4 year olds in the 2006 census. 61.66% of 3&4 year old children
in the County have access to a preschool place. At ED level, 16 ED’s have more
places available than there are 3&4 year old children living in the district. On the
other hand 45 ED’s have no preschool provision. Therefore it is assumed that the
excess places in the aforementioned 16 ED’s are availed of by children from
surrounding areas with no provision. Of the remaining 21 ED’s with preschool
services, 9 have preschool places for less than 50% of 3-4 year olds and 11 have
places for more than 50% of this cohort. An additional 98 places are available within
services not assigned an ED.
A similar comparison of full daycare places and population aged 0-4 years was
undertaken. Overall there is a full daycare place for 14.73% of children in this age
group in the County (an increase from 10.22% in 2006). The urban centres of Arklow,
Bray, Blessington, Delgany and Kilcoole have the greatest level of full daycare/part
time provision. Just over 80% (66) of ED’s in the County have no full daycare
provision. A large number of these are very rural, and would not have sufficient
population in this age cohort to sustain a centre based full daycare service.
Finally school age childcare places were compared against the population of 5-14 year
olds in the County in 2006. There is a SAC place available for a mere 2.26% of
children in this age group in County Wicklow, a drop from 3.15% in 2006. 65 ED’s
currently have no school age childcare places. It is acknowledged that the demand for
school age childcare places decreases as children get older as the majority of places
are offered as an additional service in full daycare facilities and the programme
offered is often not attractive to children over approximately 8/9 years of age. Kids
Aloud in Baltinglass is the only open access service in the County specifically
catering for school age children.
15
No. Full Daycare Places, 2009
No. Attending, Full Daycare, 2009
No. Services offering Part Time, 2009
No. Part Time Places, 2009
No. Attending, Part Time, 2009
No. FDC & PT Places, 2009
No. Services offering Full Daycare, 2006
No. Full Daycare Places, 2006
No. Attending, Full Daycare, 2006
No. Services offering SAC, 2009
No. SAC Places, 2009
No. Attending SAC, 2009
No. Services offering SAC, 2006
No. SAC Places, 2006
No.Attending SAC, 2006
80
133
70
120
57
20
67
0
30
95
0
0
0
40
0
0
0
No. Services offering Full Daycare, 2009
3
9
2
7
4
1
6
0
2
4
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
No. Attending Sessional Preschool, 2006
95
111
92
68
89
45
77
0
34
73
0
0
18
26
0
0
0
No. Sessional Preschool Places, 2006
108
132
111
68
99
45
85
0
31
78
0
0
30
40
0
0
0
No. Attending Sessional Preschool, 2009
5
8
3
5
8
2
6
0
2
4
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
No.Services Offering Sessional Preschool, 2006
Arklow No. 1 Urban
Arklow No. 2 Urban
Bray No.1
Bray No.2
Bray No.3
Rathmichael
Wicklow Urban
Ballinguile
Baltinglass
Blessington
Burgage
Donoughmore
Donard
Dunlavin
Eadestown
Hartstown
Hollywood
No. Sessional Preschool Places, 2009
15,001
15,002
15,003
15,004
15,005
15,006
15,007
15,008
15,009
15,010
15,011
15,012
15,013
15,014
15,015
15,016
15,017
No.Services Offering Sessional Preschool, 2009
Table 2: Comparison of Results of 2006 & 2009 Childcare Census, Co. Wicklow
93
117
64
107
64
20
73
0
30
93
0
0
0
44
0
0
0
1
3
0
2
3
0
1
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
121
0
47
97
0
30
0
50
170
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
49
0
45
61
0
30
0
39
129
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
42
0
44
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
82
0
43
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
163
0
91
97
0
30
0
50
170
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
0
4
2
0
2
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
14
127
0
125
92
0
48
0
38
42
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
142
0
127
87
0
70
0
37
35
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
2
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
8
39
0
42
0
24
0
22
25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
3
39
0
32
0
20
0
22
18
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
21
180
10
16
30
31
0
27
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
9
180
0
8
30
28
0
17
15
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
16
15,018
15,019
15,020
15,021
15,022
15,023
15,024
15,025
15,026
15,027
15,028
15,029
15,030
15,031
15,032
15,033
15,034
15,035
15,036
15,037
15,038
15,039
15,040
15,041
15,042
15,043
15,044
15,045
15,046
15,047
15,048
15,049
15,050
15,051
Humewood
Imeal North
Imeal South
Kilbride
Lackan
Lugglass
Rathdangan
Rathsallagh
Stratford
Talbotstown
The Grange
Tober
Togher
Tuckmill
Delgany
Enniskerry
Greystones
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Powerscourt
Altidore
Arklow Rural
Aughrim
Avoca
Ballinaclash
Ballinacor
Ballinderry
Ballyarthur
Ballycullen
Brockagh
Calary
Cronebane
Dunganstown East
Dunganstown South
Dunganstown West
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
6
4
10
10
0
1
0
2
2
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
24
0
0
0
0
70
100
199
194
0
18
0
45
35
0
0
20
20
0
16
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
19
0
0
0
0
64
64
183
145
0
15
0
38
35
0
0
20
11
0
16
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
4
4
8
10
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
64
63
193
169
0
20
0
18
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
63
61
214
151
0
19
0
18
0
0
0
20
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
15
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
154
15
28
152
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
92
12
28
109
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
26
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
154
15
28
178
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
30
16
22
33
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
24
16
24
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
0
0
0
0
0
15
0
5
32
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
5
17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
90
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
55
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15,052
15,053
15,054
15,055
15,056
15,057
15,058
15,059
15,060
15,061
15,062
15,063
15,064
15,065
15,066
15,067
15,068
15,069
15,070
15,071
15,072
15,073
15,074
15,075
15,076
15,077
15,078
15,079
15,080
15,081
15,082
Ennereilly
Glendalough
Glenealy
Kilbride
Kilcoole
Killisky
Knockrath
Moneystown
Newcastle Lower
Newcastle Upper
Oldtown
Rathdrum
Togher
Trooperstown
Wicklow Rural
Aghowle
Ballingate
Ballinglen
Ballybeg
Carnew
Coolattin
Coolballintaggart
Coolboy
Cronelea
Kilballyowen
Killinure
Kilpipe
Money
Rath
Shillelagh
Tinahely
ID Not Assigned
TOTAL
0
0
1
0
6
2
1
1
2
3
0
1
1
0
9
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
3
0
0
17
0
141
36
18
28
24
110
0
16
18
0
125
0
0
0
0
33
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
10
29
98
0
0
17
0
115
36
12
28
23
84
0
16
18
0
115
0
0
0
0
26
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
10
25
81
0
0
1
0
5
2
1
0
2
2
0
1
1
0
9
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
0
0
16
0
80
36
20
0
23
50
0
16
20
0
105
0
0
0
0
40
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
34
42
0
0
26
0
56
59
20
0
19
46
0
29
32
0
111
0
0
0
0
39
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
40
27
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
191
0
0
0
0
45
0
7
0
0
41
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
116
0
0
0
0
175
0
0
0
0
40
0
7
0
0
41
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
81
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
197
0
0
0
0
45
0
7
0
0
41
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
22
0
0
116
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
197
0
0
0
0
56
0
7
0
0
27
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
137
0
0
0
0
43
0
0
0
0
27
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
73
0
0
0
0
10
0
4
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
24
0
0
0
0
62
0
0
0
0
5
0
4
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
14
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
32
0
0
0
0
52
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
48
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
30
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
121
2309
1964
101
1781
1790
30
1283
950
10
128
156
1411
28
880
812
24
396
280
23
545
439
18
Notes: 1. In some cases respondents who offer a range of services e.g. preschool, fulldaycare & SAC gave their number of places under one heading, usually fulldaycare
and outlined that that was the maximum they could accept at any one time and that they could be made up of any combination of the services offered. Therefore, the
figures outlined above may undervalue the number of places available for preschool or school age childcare.
2. In some cases the number of children currently attending exceeds the number of places available. This can be explained by the fact that some places may be shared by
a number of children who attend different days in the week.
3. The same service could be accounted for under all three headings – preschool, fulldaycare & school age childcare.
4. Individual circumstances are at play in different areas. e.g. Delgany has 40 sessional preschool places, but only 26 are occupied. It would appear therefore that
provision exceeds demand. This service runs two sessions each day. The morning session is over subscribed, but parents do not wish to avail of the later session. This
demonstrates that it is important to look at the individual services involved before making final assessments on provision in the area.
19
% Pop 0-4yrs with
Access to FDC place
Population Aged 514, 2006
108
36.61%
782
7
0.90%
1192
19
1.59%
72
41
113
150
61
179
4
91
147
52
11
14
35
4
8
25
14
10
5
21
19
7
5
9
17
8
12
19
3
8
174
85
204
442
17
7
132
111
68
99
45
85
0
31
78
0
0
30
40
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
24
0
0
0
0
70
100
199
194
0
18
183.33%
270.73%
60.18%
66.00%
73.77%
47.49%
0.00%
34.07%
53.06%
0.00%
0.00%
214.29%
114.29%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
105.88%
300.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
40.23%
117.65%
97.55%
43.89%
0.00%
257.14%
202
111
289
365
147
472
14
207
380
158
27
38
98
15
21
54
25
21
13
57
52
16
21
20
23
28
23
50
15
20
445
185
444
1103
32
19
163
0
91
97
0
30
0
50
170
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
154
15
28
178
0
0
80.69%
0.00%
31.49%
26.58%
0.00%
6.36%
0.00%
24.15%
44.74%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
34.61%
8.11%
6.31%
16.14%
0.00%
0.00%
365
112
491
692
449
932
25
389
568
207
48
61
239
27
53
109
35
28
32
137
98
22
49
28
68
51
64
74
47
32
724
441
1015
2281
146
33
8
39
0
42
0
24
0
22
25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
0
0
0
0
0
15
0
5
32
0
0
2.19%
34.82%
0.00%
6.07%
0.00%
2.58%
0.00%
5.66%
4.40%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
26.47%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
2.07%
0.00%
0.49%
1.40%
0.00%
0.00%
% Pop 5-14yrs with
access to SAC Place
Population Aged 0-4,
2006
No. SAC Places, 2009
% Pop 3-4 with
Access to Preschool
Place
295
No. FDC & PT
Places, 2009
No. Preschool Places,
2009
15,002
15,003
15,004
15,005
15,006
15,007
15,008
15,009
15,010
15,011
15,012
15,013
15,014
15,015
15,016
15,017
15,018
15,019
15,020
15,021
15,022
15,023
15,024
15,025
15,026
15,027
15,028
15,029
15,030
15,031
15,032
15,033
15,034
15,035
15,036
15,037
Arklow No. 1
Urban
Arklow No. 2
Urban
Bray No.1
Bray No.2
Bray No.3
Rathmichael
Wicklow Urban
Ballinguile
Baltinglass
Blessington
Burgage
Donoughmore
Donard
Dunlavin
Eadestown
Hartstown
Hollywood
Humewood
Imeal North
Imeal South
Kilbride
Lackan
Lugglass
Rathdangan
Rathsallagh
Stratford
Talbotstown
The Grange
Tober
Togher
Tuckmill
Delgany
Enniskerry
Greystones
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Powerscourt
Altidore
Population Aged
3&4, 2006
15,001
ED NAME
ED ID
Table 3: Comparison Population 2006 with No. Childcare Places Available, 2009
20
15,038
15,039
15,040
15,041
15,042
15,043
15,044
15,045
15,046
15,047
15,048
15,049
15,050
15,051
15,052
15,053
15,054
15,055
15,056
15,057
15,058
15,059
15,060
15,061
15,062
15,063
15,064
15,065
15,066
15,067
15,068
15,069
15,070
15,071
15,072
15,073
15,074
15,075
15,076
15,077
15,078
15,079
15,080
15,081
15,082
Arklow Rural
Aughrim
Avoca
Ballinaclash
Ballinacor
Ballinderry
Ballyarthur
Ballycullen
Brockagh
Calary
Cronebane
Dunganstown East
Dunganstown
South
Dunganstown West
Ennereilly
Glendalough
Glenealy
Kilbride
Kilcoole
Killisky
Knockrath
Moneystown
Newcastle Lower
Newcastle Upper
Oldtown
Rathdrum
Togher
Trooperstown
Wicklow Rural
Aghowle
Ballingate
Ballinglen
Ballybeg
Carnew
Coolattin
Coolballintaggart
Coolboy
Cronelea
Kilballyowen
Killinure
Kilpipe
Money
Rath
Shillelagh
Tinahely
ED Not Assigned
39
41
35
19
7
13
41
1
15
14
14
30
0
45
35
0
0
20
20
0
16
0
0
0
0.00%
109.76%
100.00%
0.00%
0.00%
153.85%
48.78%
0.00%
106.67%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
86
137
66
50
20
36
85
9
44
25
35
53
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
151
165
92
100
39
64
141
31
82
36
76
67
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
30
12
9
5
80
11
191
40
6
5
70
93
17
59
36
17
233
4
7
4
4
34
3
9
15
3
8
11
11
2
7
9
43
0
0
0
0
17
0
141
36
18
28
24
110
0
16
18
0
125
0
0
0
0
33
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
10
29
98
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
21.25%
0.00%
73.82%
90.00%
300.00%
560.00%
34.29%
118.28%
0.00%
27.12%
50.00%
0.00%
53.65%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
97.06%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
285.71%
111.11%
67.44%
80
26
30
18
197
32
550
83
23
16
169
242
40
155
81
35
633
14
25
14
14
117
8
31
39
6
19
22
33
9
19
43
120
0
0
0
0
0
0
197
0
0
0
0
45
0
7
0
0
41
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
22
0
0
116
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
35.82%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
18.60%
0.00%
4.52%
0.00%
0.00%
6.48%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
115.79%
0.00%
0.00%
127
63
64
36
348
101
860
168
30
46
263
494
74
310
105
44
965
29
58
33
34
212
42
65
65
15
35
46
56
15
36
73
236
0
0
0
0
0
0
73
0
0
0
0
10
0
4
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
24
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
8.49%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
2.02%
0.00%
1.29%
0.00%
0.00%
0.62%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
9.43%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
27.78%
0.00%
0.00%
3745
2309
61.66%
9581
1411
14.73%
17556
396
2.26%
21
Hours of Operation
Forty of the preschool sessional services available in Co. Wicklow operate for 3 hours
per day. A further 15 run a 3½ hour session, and 10 last 2½ hours. 1,2 & 3 facilities
operate for 2, 2¾ and 3¼ hours respectively. 10 facilities in the County run two
preschool sessions each day. The average hours of operation per day for full daycare
in the County is 10 hours, with 8a.m. – 6p.m. being the typical opening hours for such
provision.
Tables 4 & 5 give details of the number of days per week and weeks per year that
childcare services in Co. Wicklow currently operate.
Table 4: No. Days Childcare Services Operate per Week
No. Days operated
No. Services
per week
3
5
4
16
5
104
6
1
7
1
Total Responded to
127
this Question
N.b. the services which operate for 6 and 7 days per week are a womens refuge and a
drop in service in a shopping centre respectively.
Table 5: No. Weeks per Year Childcare Services Operate
No. Weeks
No. Services
No. Weeks
No. Services
32
1
43
2
33
3
44
4
34
6
45
3
35
3
46
8
36
16
47
1
37
1
48
12
38
21
49
2
39
0
50
6
40
13
51
14
41
1
52
5
42
1
Total Responded
123
Provision for Babies
Eighteen services cater for babies under 1 year and between them they provide 90
places. At the time of the research there were 75 children under 1 attending childcare
facilities in Co. Wicklow. A further 10 services (28 in total) will accept children in the
22
1-3 year age bracket. There are 363 such places available and there were 328
attending.
Waiting List
At the time of the research undertaken in late 2008, there were 159 children on
waiting lists to attend childcare services during the academic year 2008/2009. 561
children were booked in to commence in September 2009 and 109 are on lists to
attend services in September 2010.
Accommodation
Survey respondents were asked to give details of the premises from which their
service operates. Firstly information on ownership was sought. 126 responded to this
question. 57.14% (72 services) privately own the premises from which their service
operates. A further 33.33% (42) are renting or leasing their premises and the
remaining 12 have an alternative arrangement.
Survey participants were then asked to categorise the type of premises from which
their service operates. Table 7 summarises the results.
Table 7: Breakdown of Services by Accommodation Type
Type of Premises
Number
%
Purpose Built
26
20.31%
Converted Residential House
22
17.19%
Part of Providers Home
17
13.28%
Extension to Providers Home
20
15.62%
School Classroom
12
9.38%
Parish / Community Hall / Centre
20
15.62%
Purpose Built as Part of Larger Community Project
3
2.34%
Other Type Premises
8
6.25%
Total Respondents
128
Access to an outdoor playspace is a requirement for part time and full daycare
services under the 2006 Preschool Services regulations. Although not legally required
23
for sessional and other service types, it is considered an element of good practice for
all providers. In County Wicklow 116 of those who participated in the survey have
access to an outdoor play area.
Staff
Childcare services which took part in the research employ a total of 471 staff between
them (including self employed individuals) Of these 292 (62%) have attained FETAC
level v, equivalent or higher childcare related qualifications.
Survey participants were asked to give details of the rates of pay earned by staff
members within their services. The table below gives details of the job titles put
forward and the rates of pay attributed to these titles. As there is no standardised job
descriptions or related levels of experience / qualifications, it is difficult to determine
equivalency between roles in different facilities.
Table 8: Rates of pay for childcare staff, Co. Wicklow
Job Title
Lowest Rate of
Pay per Hour
Highest Rate of
Pay per Hour
Average Rate of
Pay
Manager
€8
€18.50
€13.88
Owner/ Manager
€10
€25.64
€15.44
Directress
€10
€30
€17.83
Assistant Manager
€9
€16
€11.47
Supervisor
€10
€14
€11.70
Playleader
€10
€19
€12.63
€8.87
€20
€12.87
Childcare Worker
€9
€19.47
€11.63
Assistant Playleader
€8
€22
€12.19
Montessori Assistant
€9
€16.70
€11.80
Childcare Assistant
€8
€20.80
€11.63
Montessori Teacher
24
Fees
This section gives details of fees charged in Childcare services in Co. Wicklow in
January 2009. 93 sessional services, 27 full daycare providers, 8 services offering
school aged childcare and 2 drop in facilities gave details of their fees.
Sessional service fees were given in one of two formats – a monthly rate or an hourly
rate (or daily from which an hourly rate could be easily calculated). An average for
each was calculated. The average rates charged are €4.47 per hour or €280 per month.
(Two services charging no fees and one charging a nominal fee of €3 per day were not
included in the calculations)
The average fee charged for full daycare is €901 per month (based on 13 services who
supplied their monthly fee) or €198.20 per week (based on 10 services who provided
their weekly rate) Again services only charging a nominal fee were excluded from the
calculation.
The average fee for School Age Childcare is €539 per month
The two drop in facilities charge €5 and €3 per hour respectively, yielding an average
of €4 per hour.
Development Plans
Respondents were asked if they have any plans to develop or expand their premises
and if so to give details of their proposals. 21 services have plans to develop in some
way. Sixteen hope to extend their current premises or build a new one, one is planning
a refurbishment of current premises, two providers plan to extend the services they
offer by providing a school aged childcare service and the remaining two did not give
details of their proposed plans.
Children with Special Needs
There are a total of 144 children with special needs attending 55 separate childcare
facilities in the County. Table 8 below gives a breakdown of the type of additional
needs these children present with.
25
Twenty services reserve a total of 32 places for children with additional needs
Table 9: Breakdown of additional needs of children attending childcare in Co. Wicklow
Number of Children
D
A
Autism Spectrum Disorder
13
10
Down Syndrome
5
Attention Deficit Disorder
3
8
Speech & Language Delay
35
17
English as a Second Language
38
Sight / Hearing Impairment
5
3
Other
12
3
D = Professionally Diagnosed
A = Under Assessment
26
Analysis of Childcare Provision against Settlement Strategy
In addition to breaking down childcare provision on an ED basis, an alalysis of
provision in the areas defined in Wicklow County Council’s settlement Strategy was
also undertaken. This strategy divides the County into Metropolitan Area Settlements,
Hinterland Development Centres, Local Growth Centres, towns and villages. With the
help of development staff in Wicklow CCC, the areas included in these categories
were cross referenced with the list of existing centre based childcare providers in
order to identify areas with no childcare provision.
Table 9 lists each of the areas included in the categories described above and the
number of childcare services which service these towns / villages
Hinterland Area
Table 10: Number of Childcare Services in each Town and Village in Co. Wicklow
Area
Number of Childcare
Services
Metropolitan Area
Bray
36
Settlements
Greystones/Delgany
21
Primary
Development
Centre
Secondary
Development
Centre
Primary Local
Growth
Centres
Secondary
Local Growth
Centres
Large Villages
Wicklow /Rathnew
22
Arklow
18
Baltinglass
6
Blessington / Burgage
5
Carnew
2
Newtownmountkennedy
2
Rathdrum
1
Ashford
Aughrim
Avoca
Dunlavin
Kilcoole
Newcastle
Roundwood
Shillelagh
Tinahely
Ballinaclash
Barndarrig
Coolboy
Donard
Glenealy
Hollywood
Kilmacanogue
4
1
2
1
6
3
2
1
2
Serviced by Rathdrum /
Glenmalure
Serviced by Arklow &
Wicklow
Serviced by Carnew &
Tinahely
1
0
1
2
27
Kilpedder,/Willowgrove
Kiltegan
Knockananna
Laragh/Glendalough
Redcross
Stratford
Enniskerry
Annacurragh
Annamoe
Small Villages
Askanagap
Ballinglen
Ballyconnel(Tullow)
Ballycoog
Ballyduff
Ballyfolan
Ballyknockan
Ballynacarrig (Brittas
Bay)
Ballynultagh
Baltyboys
Barranisky
Boleynass
Carrigacurra
Connary
Coolafancy
Coolatin
Coolkenno
Crab Lane
Croneyhorn
Crossbridge
Davidstown
Donaghmore
Glenmalure
Goldenhill
Gorteen
Grangecon
Greenan
Johnstown
Kilcarra
Killamoat
Kilmurry (Kilmac),
Killiskey
Kilquiggin
Kingston
Kirklee
Knockanarrigan
Lackan
Macreddin
Manor Kilbrid
2
1
0
1
1
1
5
1
Serviced by Laragh /
Roundwood
Serviced by Tinahely
Serviced by Tinahely
1
Serviced by Avoca
0
Serviced by Brittas
0
Serviced by Shillelagh
Serviced by Blessington
Serviced by Avoca
0
Serviced by Tinahely /
Carnew
Serviced by Shillelagh
Serviced by Ballyconnell
Serviced by Ballyconnell
Serviced by Carnew
Serviced by Tinahely
Serviced by Donard
Serviced by Donard
1
Serviced by Manor
Kilbride
0
Serviced by Baltinglass /
Stratford
Serviced by Glenmalure /
Rathdrum
Serviced by Arklow
Serviced by Avoca /
Arklow
Serviced by Rathdangan /
Kiltegan / Talbotstown
Serviced by
KIlmacanogue
0
Serviced by Ballyconnell /
Shillelagh
0
0
Serviced by Donard
Serviced by Blessington
Serviced by Aughrim
1
28
Moneystown
Moyne
Mullinacuff
Oldcourt
Park Bridge
Rathdangan
Rathmoon
Redwells
Stranakelly
Talbotstown
Thomastown
Tomacork
Tomriland
Valleymount
1
Serviced by Tinahely
Serviced by Tinahely
Serviced by Bray
Serviced by Shillelagh
Serviced by Kiltegan
Serviced by Baltinglass
Serviced by Baltinglass
Serviced by Tinahely
Serviced by Kiltegan
Serviced by Arklow
Serviced by Carnew
Serviced by Annamoe
0
29
Section 4: Results of Childminders Survey
There are currently 101 home based childminders notified to Wicklow County
Childcare Committee. 72 of these took part in the research. Of the 72 who
participated, 9 are statutory notified to the HSE as childminders and 47 are voluntary
notified as daycare providers, a further 6 are voluntary notified school aged childcare
providers and two are voluntary notified sessional providers with Wicklow County
Childcare Committee.
Table 10 below breaks down those who participated by area of residence and Table
11 charts the services offered by the participating childminders.
Table 11: Location of Participating Childminders
Area
No. Childminders
Arklow
7
Ashford
3
Aughrim
2
Avoca
1
Baltinglass
1
Blessington
1
Bray
12
Delgany
5
Dunlavin
1
Glenealy
1
Greystones
8
Kilcoole
3
Kilmacanogue
1
Kilpeddar
1
Newcastle
1
Newtownmountkennedy
3
Rathdrum
2
Rathnew
4
Tinahely
2
Wicklow
13
30
Table 12: Services provided by Co. Wicklow Childminders, 2009.
Sessional
Sessional
Part Time
2
2
Full
Daycare
2
4
Part Time
Full Daycare
1
Breakfast
Club
0
6
3
0
24
7
0
6
2
SAC
School Age Childcare
Between them, the surveyed childminders can cater for a total of 20 children aged under one year,
90 in the 1-3year age bracket, a further 47 3-5 year olds and 72 school age children.
Respondents were asked to give details of the number of days per week and weeks per year they
operate. Tables 12 & 13 summarises the responses.
Table 13: No. Days per Week Childminders Operate
No. Days per Week
No. Services Operating
2
1
3
6
4
5
5
56
7
1
No Details
3
Table 14: No. Weeks per Year Childminders Operate
No. Weeks
34
36
40
42
45
46
47
No. Services
1
5
7
1
1
5
5
No. Weeks
48
49
50
51
52
No Response
No. Services
24
8
7
2
1
5
As can be seen from the above tables, 77.78% of childminders offer their service for five days per
week. The majority work for more than 45 weeks per year, although a small number only operate
during term time.
31
Section 5: Gaps in Childcare Service Provision in Co. Wicklow
One of the primary aims of this research is to identify gaps in childcare service provision in Co.
Wicklow by geographical area, service type and age group.
Geographic Analysis of Childcare Provision
Detailed statistical analysis of service provision within electoral divisions in Co. Wicklow was
provided in this report. Tables 2&3 on pages 16 & 20 show the number of childcare places
currently available in each ED and compares this to the number of children resident there.
In addition, the areas defined in Wicklow County Councils settlement strategy, together with on the
ground knowledge by development staff within Wicklow CCC was used to identify areas in the
County with little or no childcare provision. Table 9 on page 25 outlines the number of services in
each of the towns and villages in the settlement strategy. Glenealy and Knockananna are classified
as large villages and have no childcare services. Ballinaclash, Barndarrig and Coolboy, also in this
category do not have services in their own locality but are located close enough to neighbouring
towns and villages to allow parents commute. Fifty five small villages are identified in the
settlement strategy. Five of these have childcare services located in the villages, a further 39 are
serviced by neighbouring towns and villages. The remainder do not have a childcare service located
nearby. These include Ballyduff, Gorteen, Killiskey, Kingston, Kirklee, Moyne & Valleymount. It
is beyond the scope of this research to study each of these areas in detail. The feasibility of
developing services in these areas should be investigated. It is acknowledged that some of the areas
listed would not have sufficient population to sustain a childcare facility.
Preschool Sessional Services
Preschool sessional services are the most widely available type of childcare facility in Co.
Wicklow. 61.66% of children aged 3 or 4 years in the County have access to a preschool place.
There is no preschool service located in 45 ED’s. A number of these districts form the rural
hinterland of towns or villages with services, others do not have sufficient populations to sustain a
service in the area.
In April 2009, the government announced the introduction of a years free playschool for all
children aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months every year. Children enrolled in
playschools will receive free pre-school provision of 3 hours per day, 5 days each week
32
over a 38 week year. This will have an impact on the demand for preschool services throughout the
County as parents who previously did not send their children to preschool or opted to only send
them for 2 or 3 days per week, may now decide to avail of it 5 days per week.
Full Daycare
The CSO’s Quarterly National Household Survey conducted a module on childcare in the first
quarter of 2005. The results of this research indicated that 82,600 (40.3%) families with pre-school
children regularly relied on non-parental childcare arrangements during the normal working day.
10% of families used crèche or Montessori as their main type of childcare. Although on a County
wide basis in Co. Wicklow, there is a full daycare place available for 14.73% of children aged 0-4
years, the places available are located in a small number of areas in the County and only 10 out of
82 ED’s have a full daycare place available to 10% or more of 0-4year olds.
A large number of the ED’s with no full daycare places are very rural, and would not have
sufficient population in this age cohort to sustain a centre based full daycare service, but the
following ED’s have more than 70 children in this age bracket and no full daycare places - Bray
No.1 (111), Rathmichael (147), Burgage (158), Glenealy (167), Dunlavin (98), Aughrim (137),
Ballyarthur (85), Dunganstown South (80), Glenealy (197), Killisky (83), Newcastle Lower (169),
Togher (81), Carnew (117) & Tinahely (120). Some of those listed are adjacent to the urban centres
and parents in these areas may source childcare within these centres. Others are in more rural
locations and there is little or no provision in surrounding districts either.
School Age Childcare
School Age Childcare provision throughout the County is extremely poor. The number of school
age childcare places has dropped from 545 in 2006 to 396 in 2009. This represents places for a
mere 2.26% of children in the 5-14 year age bracket. There is only one open access service which
exclusively offers school age childcare. Of the 24 services offering some level of school age
childcare, 15 are linked to a full daycare facility which primarily caters for children aged 0-5 years
and therefore may not be equipped to meet the needs of older children. According to the CSO
quarterly national household survey 1.4% of families with primary school aged children avail of a
crèche or Montessori facilities for non parental childcare on a regular basis. No data is available to
explain if this low level of usage is due to lack of available services or parental / children’s choice.
A comprehensive campaign to develop additional SAC services where appropriate throughout the
County is necessary.
33
Childminders
According to the CSO Quarterly Household Survey on Childcare (first quarter 2005), 12.1% of
families with pre-school children and 6.5% of families with school aged children regularly use paid
carers for non parental childcare during the working week.
72 childminders took part in this research. It is acknowledged that there are many more
childminders currently operating in the County, therefore it is difficult to access if there are
sufficient providers engaged in this activity or not.
Given the rural nature of many areas within Co. Wicklow, as stated above sufficient population
does not exist to sustain centre based services. Home based childminding is therefore the only
option for parents who wish to have their children cared for within their own locality. Pilot
initiatives such as local childminding networks, whereby a number of childminders (& the children
in their care) in an area come together on a regular basis for support and socialisation could be
considered in the areas listed in table 9 where no services exist and it is deemed that there would
not be demand for centre based services.
Population Growth
Wicklow is one of the most rapidly growing counties in Ireland today. Its population increased
from 114,676 in 2002 to 126,194 in 2006, an increase of 11,518 people. A number of areas in Co.
Wicklow more than doubled in population in the 15 year period from 1991 to 2006. These include
near Blessington (Burgage 139%), Arklow (Arklow No.2 Urban 124%), Wicklow (Wicklow Rural
111%) and Kilcoole (100%). Interestingly each of these areas is comparatively well serviced with
childcare. It is speculated that the governments policy of providing a childcare facility for 20
children for each 75 dwellings has been effective in these main development centres.
Other areas which experienced significant growth in the 0-4yr age group between the 2002 and
2006 census are listed below. These children are the current users of preschool and daycare
facilities and the potential users of school age childcare services in the near future. The leftmost
column in the table lists the services currently available in each of the ED’s highlighted.
34
Table 15: Significant Growth Areas (0-4yrs), Co. Wicklow 2002-2006
Pop 0-4yrs,
Pop 0-4yrs,
2002
2006
Delgany
315
445
41.2%
Aughrim
75
137
82.67%
PS
Ballyarthur
44
85
48.23%
PS
Dunganstown South
34
80
135.29%
Glenealy
167
197
17.96%
PS
Killisky
64
83
29.69%
PS
Newcastle Lower
127
169
24.85%
PS
Togher
57
81
42.1%
PS
Tinahely
83
120
44.58%
PS
ED
% Increase
PS, FDC &
SAC
Consultation with the preschool providers and other community representatives in each of the
above areas is advised as an initial step in assessing the feasibility and demand for the development
of further facilities. (N.b. plans are underway to develop a range of services in Tinahely. The
community childcare group there has been approved €1.2m in grant aid from the NCIP towards
this.)
35
Transport Routes
Improved road infrastructure in recent
years has resulted in increased numbers
commuting from Wicklow to Dublin for
work. The principal transport routes
through the County are the N11 in the east
and the N81 in the west. The maps
opposite show the towns and villages
located on or adjacent to these two
roadways. These towns could be
considered for the development of
additional full daycare facilities in excess
of the demand created by the indigenous
population as residents in more rural areas
of the County who are commuting to work
in Dublin will inevitably join with the
major route.
Employment / Labour Force Factors
The largest employment sector in Co. Wicklow, with 17,376 people employed, is the commerce
and trade sector (CSO, 2006). This sector includes shops and wholesalers, financial institutions,
real estate firms and other business activities. The geographical distribution of those at work in
these sectors is very much concentrated along the east coast and in the north and northwest of the
County as many of these service jobs are located outside the county, in the Dublin region. These
areas are thus similar to those identified for development in the section above on transport routes.
There is currently no workplaces crèches available anywhere in Co. Wicklow. Large areas of land
have been zoned for the creation of employment opportunities (See appendix 1). Childcare facilities
should be developed in tandem with any such developments.
36
Anecdotal evidence in the course of carrying out this research suggested that the demand for
childcare places has dropped since the onset of the current economic recession. This is as a result of
parents losing their job and thus being available to care for their own children and also emigration.
There were 10,478 people on the live register in Co. Wicklow in March 2009, an increase of 101%
since March 2008 when the figure was 5,211. (CSO,2009) (Note: live register figures include part
time workers, seasonal and casual workers entitled to jobseekers benefit or allowance).
The recession will inevitably have an impact on the number of people willing to speculate on
establishing new childcare services also.
Disadvantaged Groups
As a general principle, market forces and economic viability will go some way towards ensuring
the development of childcare facilities in growth centres, but targeted intervention is usually
required by the voluntary or community sector to ensure adequate provision for disadvantaged
groups. It was beyond the scope of this research to identify in detail the needs of all disadvantaged
groups in the County
There were 533 members of the traveller community living in Co. Wicklow at the time of the last
census. Nationally 41.46% of travellers are aged 14 years and under. 42.2% of travelers resident in
the County were living in Bray and Wicklow town in 2006. There are two permanent halting sites
in the County at Silverbridge and Ballinteskin and there are group housing schemes for Travelers in
Kilcoole and Rathnew. There are currently no childcare services targeting this group.
Development of Existing Services
This research highlighted the fact that 21 existing childcare services in the County have plans to
develop or expand their services in some way. Liaison with these providers to explore the childcare
needs of the community in which they operate could help maximize the potential of their services.
37
Appendix 1
Socio Economic & Demographic Profile of Co. Wicklow, 2006
38
Socio Economic & Demographic Profile of Co. Wicklow
Introduction
County Wicklow occupies an area of 2,017 square kilometres and at the time of the
2002 census had a
population of
114,676, an increase
of 11.7% since 1996.
(There was an 8%
increase in
population
nationally.) The
county is part of the
Greater Dublin Area
(GDA) and is,
therefore, subject to
many of the
pressures emanating
from the expansion
of the capital city. In
recent years
improved road
infrastructure has
resulted in increased
numbers commuting
from Wicklow to
Dublin for work. The principal towns in County Wicklow are located along the east
coast with a second linear arrangement of smaller centres in the west. The principal
transport routes are the N11 in the east and the N81 in the west. East-west movement
is restricted by the mountains.
39
The socio-economic profile above was compiled from the following three documents produced by Wicklow County Council.

Wicklow County Development Plan 2004-2010, Wicklow County Council, 2004

Socio Economic Profile of County Wicklow prepared by Social Inclusion Unit, Community and Enterprise Section,
Wicklow County Council, 2005

Poverty Profile of County Wicklow, a joint project by Wicklow County Council’s Social Inclusion Unit and the
Social Inclusion Measures Group of Wicklow’s County Development Board, 2005
The east of the County is served by the mainline railway with stations at Bray, Greystones,
Kilcoole, Wicklow, Rathdrum and Arklow. DART services are provided from Greystones. In
addition there are regular bus services throughout the County.
County Wicklow has 82 Electoral Divisions (EDs), which have been grouped into five Electoral
areas as follows:

Arklow Electoral Area

Bray Electoral Area

Baltinglass Electoral Area

Greystones Electoral Area

Wicklow Electoral Area
40
Population
Wicklow is one of the most rapidly growing counties in Ireland today. Its population has increased
from 102,683 in 1996 to 114,676 in 2002, an increase of just under 12,000 people. For the purpose
of this report, further analysis of the population aged 0-14 years is provided in table 1. According to
the 2002 Census 22.52% of the total population in the county was aged 14 years or under.
Table 1: Population aged 0-14years in each ED, 2002
2002 Population Aged
ED
Arklow No. 1 Urban
Arklow No. 2 Urban
Bray No.1
Bray No.2
Bray No.3
Rathmichael
Wicklow Urban
Ballinguile
Baltinglass
Blessington
Burgage
Donoughmore
Donard
Dunlavin
Eadestown
Hartstown
Hollywood
Humewood
Imeal North
Imeal South
Kilbride
Lackan
Lugglass
Rathdangan
Rathsallagh
Stratford
Talbotstown
The Grange
Tober
Togher
Tuckmill
Delgany
Enniskerry
Greystones
Kilmacanoge Pt.
Powerscourt
Altidore
Arklow Rural
Aughrim
Avoca
Ballinaclash
Ballinacor
Ballinderry
<1
120
43
19
54
69
28
88
3
25
47
17
5
6
21
1
0
12
4
3
3
10
8
2
2
3
3
0
6
10
3
3
56
46
92
225
10
4
20
18
8
9
3
9
1-2
272
62
39
110
166
90
212
8
79
108
30
7
15
55
5
8
21
12
8
8
25
21
7
10
6
8
8
16
16
9
4
132
84
196
536
14
4
32
31
18
21
7
10
3-4
240
79
32
98
134
85
211
4
61
97
32
12
16
44
3
10
28
4
7
5
23
14
7
16
3
11
10
15
16
7
7
127
95
193
476
22
8
22
26
17
17
4
16
0-4
632
184
90
262
369
203
511
15
165
252
79
24
37
120
9
18
61
20
18
16
58
43
16
28
12
22
18
37
42
19
14
315
225
481
1,237
46
16
74
75
43
47
14
35
5-6
181
83
28
97
143
102
215
6
69
106
46
3
13
52
5
12
15
4
5
7
24
22
3
6
5
10
13
12
9
11
8
131
97
191
410
24
5
31
29
21
21
8
14
7-8
209
91
26
92
111
97
220
2
62
103
27
12
12
43
7
10
21
6
5
6
28
24
6
10
4
14
11
17
17
9
8
138
81
218
421
26
7
31
24
19
14
5
14
9-10
183
81
25
119
155
109
208
1
57
96
29
10
9
42
4
8
19
8
2
4
31
23
5
6
5
15
9
9
11
12
3
136
93
248
425
29
9
38
32
19
19
12
9
11-12
213
96
33
118
150
97
217
2
60
98
25
7
22
33
5
8
16
8
5
11
30
24
8
7
5
19
11
12
15
11
5
176
100
256
435
22
6
35
35
25
16
5
17
13-14
231
79
43
133
158
83
209
2
62
94
32
11
15
49
4
6
24
9
3
10
30
32
4
6
6
12
14
8
18
12
5
162
128
259
547
13
8
30
37
28
10
6
7
5-14
1,017
430
155
559
717
488
1,069
13
310
497
159
43
71
219
25
44
95
35
20
38
143
125
26
35
25
70
58
58
70
55
29
743
499
1,172
2,238
114
35
165
157
112
80
36
61
41
Ballyarthur
Ballycullen
Brockagh
Calary
Cronebane
Dunganstown East
Dunganstown South
Dunganstown West
Ennereilly
Glendalough
Glenealy
Kilbride
Kilcoole
Killisky
Knockrath
Moneystown
Newcastle Lower
Newcastle Upper
Oldtown
Rathdrum
Togher
Trooperstown
Wicklow Rural
Aghowle
Ballingate
Ballinglen
Ballybeg
Carnew
Coolattin
Coolballintaggart
Coolboy
Cronelea
Kilballyowen
Killinure
Kilpipe
Money
Rath
Shillelagh
Tinahely
9
1
9
6
11
12
12
6
3
4
37
2
53
11
4
2
23
60
6
26
16
7
88
1
4
0
0
14
0
3
6
2
4
2
5
0
3
4
13
16
6
20
5
11
17
30
17
15
8
70
12
134
30
9
7
51
112
17
59
22
10
197
4
15
7
3
38
3
22
15
4
8
5
15
2
7
13
29
19
10
12
11
7
17
18
11
13
9
60
20
127
23
7
8
53
127
11
60
19
8
185
4
8
7
5
37
9
11
13
4
5
8
7
2
9
11
41
44
17
41
22
29
46
60
34
31
21
167
34
314
64
20
17
127
299
34
145
57
25
470
9
27
14
8
89
12
36
34
10
17
15
27
4
19
28
83
13
7
28
7
17
12
13
16
16
9
73
16
150
32
3
10
47
100
17
64
21
9
174
5
10
9
5
37
10
11
12
3
8
11
11
3
9
14
32
21
9
15
6
13
16
23
17
7
9
66
23
141
34
6
13
38
104
14
65
9
8
170
6
14
8
4
35
8
10
8
3
4
10
10
2
5
16
52
21
7
13
9
22
10
29
7
8
9
83
19
143
36
7
8
54
108
14
65
13
7
149
8
11
6
11
40
13
8
6
1
5
10
11
3
3
19
43
15
8
22
8
12
14
19
17
12
9
73
9
142
29
13
11
51
110
26
59
27
10
143
10
12
10
7
41
8
12
13
5
7
13
4
0
2
15
39
17
7
22
6
15
20
13
20
9
9
100
13
147
20
5
7
59
108
15
63
24
8
126
6
12
6
6
35
6
14
12
3
10
13
8
3
9
7
39
87
38
100
36
79
72
97
77
52
45
395
80
723
151
34
49
249
530
86
316
94
42
762
35
59
39
33
188
45
55
51
15
34
57
44
11
28
71
205
Settlement Strategy
Wicklow County Council’s settlement Strategy for the County aims to locate population growth
and channel development in line with the principles of the National Spatial Strategy and Strategic
Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area.
This includes the promotion of growth within the Metropolitan Area Settlements of Bray and
Greystones/Delgany and the Hinterland Development Centres of Wicklow and Arklow and
allowing for local growth, where inmigration is restricted, into Local Growth Centres in the
Hinterland Area. The long term objective in County Wicklow is to create Development
42
Centres in the Hinterland Area which will become as self sufficient as possible with only limited
commuting to the Metropolitan Area. Furthermore, the strategy promotes the development of rural
towns and villages in a manner which is appropriately scaled and reinforces the character of these
settlements.
Tables 2 and 3 overleaf list each of the areas included in the categories described above and in the
case of Settlement Areas, Development Centres and Local Growth Centres outlines Indicative and
Maximum Population projections for 2010 and 2016 and for large and small villages gives details
of the Indicative numbers of new houses that will be permitted to be built in each village in the
lifetime of the current County Development Plan (2004 – 2010) The 2010 and 2016 population for
the towns are indicative populations, it is not expected that all the towns will reach the maximum
stated. However the necessary physical infrastructure will be in place to cater for future need of the
people in these areas. The objective for the growth of the Development Centres is that they do not
become dormitory towns for the Metropolitan Area and to incorporate a high level of employment
activity, high order shopping and a full range of social facilities, so that they become self sufficient
towns.
43
Hinterland Area
Table 2: Population 2002 & Projected Maximum Population 2010 & 2016
Area
Pop 2002
Indicative Max Population
2010
2016
Metropolitan Area
Bray
28,002
32,012
35,000
Settlements
Greystones/Delgany
11,913
17,679
22,000
Primary
Development
Centre
Secondary
Development
Centre
Primary Local
Growth
Centres
Secondary
Local Growth
Centres
Wicklow /Rathnew
10,796
17,481
22,500
Arklow
9,993
16,277
21,000
Baltinglass
1,260
2,500
2,500
Blessington / Burgage
2,509
6,500
6,500
Carnew
809
1,500
1,500
Newtownmountkennedy
2,521
4,510
6,000
Rathdrum
1,387
3,166
4,500
Ashford
Aughrim
Avoca
Dunlavin
Kilcoole
Newcastle
Roundwood
Shillelagh
Tinahely
1,356
871
564
814
2,826
851
518
278
692
2,295
1,900
*800
1,492
3,782
1,222
*800
600
*1,100
3,000
2,000
700
2,000
4,500
1,500
700
600
1,000
Table 3: Large & Small Villages: Indicative numbers of houses that will be permitted in the lifetime of the current County
Development Plan
Large Villages
Ballinaclash
Barndarrig
Coolboy
Donard
Glenealy
Hollywood
Kilmacanogue
Small Villages
Area
Annacurragh
Annamoe
Askanagap
Ballinglen
Ballyconnel(Tullow)
Ballycoog
Ballyduff
Ballyfolan
Ballyknockan
Ballynacarrig (Brittas Bay)
Ballynultagh
Baltyboys
Barranisky
Boleynass
Carrigacurra
Connary
No.
Approvals
15
15
15
15
Infill Only
12
40
10
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
10
3
5
4
4
4
10
Area
Kilpedder,/Willowgrove
Kiltegan
Knockananna
Laragh/Glendalough
Redcross
Stratford
Enniskerry
Greenan
Johnstown
Kilcarra
Killamoat
Kilmurry (Kilmac),
Killiskey
Kilquiggin
Kingston
Kirklee
Knockanarrigan
Lackan
Macreddin
Manor Kilbrid
Moneystown
Moyne
Mullinacuff
No.
Approvals
Infill Only
15
15
20
9
12
5
5
4
4
3
2
5
4
3
5
4
5
10
7
5
5
44
Coolafancy
Coolatin
Coolkenno
Crab Lane
Croneyhorn
Crossbridge
Davidstown
Donaghmore
Glenmalure
Goldenhill
Gorteen
Grangecon
5
5
7
5
3
4
5
5
3
2
3
9
Oldcourt
Park Bridge
Rathdangan
Rathmoon
Redwells
Stranakelly
Talbotstown
Thomastown
Tomacork
Tomriland
Valleymount
5
4
10
3
3
5
5
5
5
3
5
Table 4 details actual and projected populations for the entire County from 1996 to 2016. The
projected maximum population figure is based on a high inmigration into the four priority growth
centres of Bray, Greystones/Delgany, Wicklow and Arklow. If this in-migration does not occur and
the population of the County continues to grow at existing rates, it is projected that the population
of County Wicklow in 2010 would reach 134,095 persons. This figure was based on the average
population growth for the intercensal
period of 1996 – 2002.
Table 4: Actual & Population projections 1996 – 2016
Year
Population
(Actual) 1996
102,683
(Actual) 2002
114,676
(Projected) 2004
119,245
(Projected Low) 2010
134,095
(Projected Maximum High) 2010
146,202
(Projected) 2016
150,216
45
Housing
The expected increase in the population of the County will give rise to changes in the numbers of
households. In 2002 there were 36,975 household in the County. If the low growth scenario for the
County materialises (projected county population 134,095), it is projected that the number of
households will increase to 45,766 by 2010. It is estimated that a further 4,132 households will
exist if the maximum population projections are achieved (projected county population of 146,202
in 2010).
Wicklow County Council’s Housing Strategy encompasses both the role of the Authority as the
provider of social and special housing and its broader land use planning responsibilities.
At the time of publication of the current County Development Plan, there was sufficient land zoned
and serviced (or planned to be serviced) in all major growth centres to meet anticipated population
growth with the exception of Bray, Blessington and Baltinglass. There were also small shortfalls in
the secondary centres of Aughrim, Avoca, Newcastle and Shillelagh.
Social and Affordable Housing
In 2002 there were 1,665 applicants on housing waiting lists in Co. Wicklow. 1,021 (61.3%) of
these were families with children (590 lone parent, 431 couples with children). Completions of
New Social Housing by Wicklow Housing Authorities average 130 dwellings, annually. County
Council, housing schemes have recently been completed or are in progress in Aughrim, Avoca,
Ballinaclash, Baltinglass, Barndarrig, Blessington, Carnew, Dunlavin, Kilcoole,
Newtownmountkennedy, Rathnew, Roundwood, Stratford and Tinahely.
Asylum Seekers: The Local Authority has facilitated the provision of emergency accommodation
for asylum seekers as part of the process of reception, dispersal and direct provision for asylum
seekers in Ireland. There are currently three properties in which asylum seekers are housed – in
Wicklow, Baltinglass and Rathdrum.
46
Employment
Economic Status
In 2002 the total labour force in Wicklow was 52,016, of whom 91.9% were classified as “at
work”. [Note: Labour force includes those At Work, Unemployed & First Time Job Seekers.]
Almost 36,834 persons aged 15 and over were not in the labour force – 37.5% of these were
classified as engaged in home duties and 25.6% were students. Unemployment declined by 1,767
persons or 32.34% over the period 1996 to 2002. The number of people at work in County
Wicklow increased by 31.21%, while it is interesting to note that the number of people engaged in
home duties declined by 2,483. Of the persons engaged in home duties in 2002 only 4.6% were
male while 95.4% were female. The overall labour force participation rate in Co. Wicklow rose
from 55.3% in 1996 to 58.5% in 2002. A gender breakdown shows that the male participation rate
was 72% compared with 69.9% for the State. While for female participation rate in Wicklow was
45.6% and 47% for the State. This is in contrast to 1996 where the female participation rate was
39.1% in Wicklow and 40.7% at State level. The increase in the number of people at work is due to
a combination of factors such as migration into the county, improved educational levels, increased
employment opportunities and incentives to work, increased female participation in the labour
force, decline in average family size and the economic necessity for many couples for both partners
to work due to the cost of private housing.
The percentage of the county’s population unemployed or seeking a first job continues to decrease
in line with the national average. Unemployment is highest in the urban areas specifically Bray,
Wicklow and Arklow.
Employment & Industry
Wicklow County Council’s employment strategy is based on policies and objectives which
facilitate the growth of existing and creation of new employment and industry in a sustainable
manner across the County.
In formulating policies to promote employment and industry Wicklow’s County Development Plan
aims to exploit the County’s strategic location and competitive advantages for industrial and
commercial activities while at the same time seeking to safeguard the environment from adverse
environmental impacts. Development strategies encourage retail, service and industrial land uses to
locate in or adjacent to towns in order to maximise accessibility to customers, the work force and to
minimise travel and trip generation.
The service sector (including Commerce, Insurance, Finance/Business and Professional
47
Services) currently accounts for over 50% of the workforce. The geographical distribution of those
at work in these sectors is very much concentrated along the east coast and in the north and
northwest of the County as many of these service jobs are located outside the county, in the Dublin
region.
The manufacturing sector is of greatest importance in the districts around the principle towns and
also in Blessington in the northwest.
Table 5 below summaries the number of persons at work in Co. Wicklow classified by broad
industrial sector.
Table 5: Numbers of Persons at Work in Co. Wicklow Classified by Broad Industrial Sector, 2002
Mining, Quarrying & Turf
Production
Manufacturing
Electricity, Gas & Water Supply
Construction
Wholesale & Retail Trade
Hotels & Restaurants
Banking & Financial Services
Real Estate, Renting & Business
Activities
Public Administration & Defence
Education
Health & Social Work
Other
Industry Not Stated
150
6,720
343
4,784
6,771
2,402
2,386
2,383
5,036
2,240
3,117
3,567
2,616
2,831
5.1%
.3%
14.1%
.7%
10%
14.2%
5%
5%
5%
10.5%
4.7%
6.5%
7.5%
5.5%
5.9%
Transport, Storage &
Communications
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
2,444
Generally new industry will be encouraged to locate on suitably zoned lands in towns and town
environs. Table 6 overleaf outlines the areas in the County currently zoned for employment. Large
sites zoned for employment are required to provide a mix of ancillary services such as shops,
creches and food outlets in a way that they do not impact on existing facilities, in particular town
centre activities.
48
Table 6: Areas in County Wicklow Zoned for Employment
Interchange Name
Area
Hectares
Zoning Objective E
Kish Interchange A
South Arklow
84 Ha
To provide for Employment Uses
Kish Interchange B1
South Arklow
73 Ha
To provide for agricultural uses with an option for the life of the Plan to provide for
a single undivided employment unit which either a microchip or similar
manufacturing plant or for a business, office, science or technology park set in
open parkland with extensive landscaping, a high architectural standard of layout
and building design with low site coverage. The designated 4.6 hectares is to
provide for low density residential development at a rate of 2.5 dwelling per
hectare and operate under this optional contraint.
Kish B2
South Arklow
41 Ha
To provide for agricultural uses with an option for the life of the Plan to provide for
employment uses as described in zoning objectives E
Killinskyduff
North Arklow
75 Ha
To provide for agricultural uses with an option for the life of the Plan to provide for
a single undivided employment unit which either a microchip or similar
manufacturing plant or for a business, office, science or technology park set in
open parkland with extensive landscaping, a high architectural standard of layout
and building design with low site coverage.
Mountkennedy
Kilpedder
31.27 Ha
To provide for agricultural uses with an option for the life of the plan to provide for
a business, office, science and technology park set in open parkland with
extensive landscaping, a high architectural standard of layout and building design
with low site coverage.
Scratenagh
Crossroads
8.09 Ha
To provide for light industrial uses/business park uses with extensive landscaping
and a high architectural standard of layout and building design.
Kilmurray South
2 Ha
To provide for an arts and crafts development with studio and workshops with a
maximum total gross floor area of 400m2 (in one or two blocks) to be divided into
units of 40 m2, 60 m2 or 100 m2with one dwelling only for a centre manager for the
development. The implementation of this development is subject to and dependent
upon the completion of the Kilmacanogue/Glen of the Downs Dual Carriageway,
including the grade separated junction at this location.
Barry’s Bridge, East,
Drummin, Kilpeddar
27.7 Ha
To provide for Employment uses including industrial, transport, distribution,
warehouse or retail warehouse developments of good architectural design, layout
and landscaping including substantial screening from N11.The provision of
transport and retail facilities will not be at the expense of facilities in existing
settlements.
The Council will permit the following uses in the “E” Zone (except where otherwise specified):
Industrial, transport, distribution, warehouse or retail warehouse developments of good
architectural design, layout and landscaping.
Education
Formal education in Wicklow is provided in 84 primary schools (4 of which are special schools)
and 21 post primary schools. In the academic year 2002/3 there was 13,743 pupils enrolled at
primary schools in the County. Wicklow Vocational Education Committee provides an extensive
range of education courses through nine schools, four community education centres (in Arklow,
Blessington, Bray, Wicklow town) and its outdoor Pursuits Resource Centre in Baltinglass.
Wicklow VEC also organises and provides a countywide literacy scheme, as well as a variety of
night and community courses. There is no third level institution in the county, although Bray
Institute of Education collaborates with various Universities to provide a number of degree,
diploma and certificate courses. Students from the county have access to a wide range of third level
of institutions in Dublin, as well as NUI Maynooth in north Kildare and Institutes of Technology in
Carlow and Waterford. Department of Education and Science statistics report for
49
2002/2003 shows that there were 2,995 students from County Wicklow enrolled in full time third
level courses.
The 2002 census results show that the higher the education level attained the less likely the risk of
unemployment. 19.73% of the population of Co. Wicklow has primary education only.
Approximately 27.54% of County Wicklow’s population whose education has ceased have a third
level qualification. This is higher than the figure for the State (25.99%).
Disadvantaged Groups
Lone Parents
According to Census 2002, there are 4,654 lone parents in Co. Wicklow. Lone parent family units
represent 16.2% of all family units in the County. The majority of lone parents are women in Co.
Wicklow – of the 4,654 lone parents in the county, 701 are lone fathers and 3,953 are lone mothers.
At a national level, the Combat Poverty Agency estimates that 45% of all lone parents are working.
More parents of young children than of older children work. Of those who do work, most women
work part-time, while male lone parents usually work full-time. In order to work around their
children’s needs, job choices are often limited and career advancement is poor. Lone parents often
experience difficulty in accessing education or training because of a lack of good quality affordable
childcare and after school care. CPA also estimates that 75% of people on local authority housing
lists are lone parents. This is in part because they may not have access to affordable quality
childcare, which prevents them from accessing employment and the income stream that derives
from that. Housing statistics for Lone Parents are not available at local level.
Travellers
In Co. Wicklow 567 Travellers were enumerated in the 2002 Census. 42.2% (239) were living in
Bray at the time of the census. Nationally 42.2% of Travellers were aged less than 15 years in 2002
compared to 21.1% for the population as a whole. This would suggest that there are 239 traveller
children in Co. Wicklow aged 14 years and under.
Traveller Accommodation: There are two permanent halting sites in the County at Silverbridge
and Ballinteskin. Silverbridge can accommodate five families while Ballinteskin can accommodate
eight. Halting site accommodation is considered to be transitional accommodation by most families
with group housing or standard housing their ultimate ambition. Work has been completed on
Group Housing Schemes for Travellers in Kilcoole and Rathnew.
Ethnic Minorities
50
According to Census 2002: Of the 113,436 persons usually resident in Co. Wicklow
approximately:
 93% (105,495) were of Irish nationality
 3% (3,752) UK
 0.82% (940) other EU nationality
 0.53% (602) other European nationality
 0.32% (372) American
 0.26% (304) African
 0.3% (345) Asian
Recent research carried out by Bray Partnership on “New Ethnic Minorities in Bray” highlights the
issues faced by this particular sector of society. This research estimated that there is between 500
and 600 people belonging to ethnic minorities and 37 different nationalities living in Bray. The
primary issues identified were language barrier, lack of easily available relevant information, lack
of support services and legislation and policy changes needed at national level.
Due to the shortage of labour and skills in Ireland businesses and employers have been actively
recruiting outside of the European Economic Area in recent years. In 2004 there were 250 new
work permits issued in Co. Wicklow and 865 were renewed.
51
Transport
The results of the 2002 census highlighted that in Wicklow there were 73,546 persons travelling to
school, college or work. The car is the most common means of transport to work in the County.
The following three tables demonstrate the time at which persons aged 5+ leave home for school,
college or work, the distance traveled to work and the time spent traveling to work each day. This
information may have implications for the opening hours of childcare services in the County.
Table 7: Time leaving home Persons aged 5+ County Wicklow, 2002
Before
07:01 –
07:31 –
08:01 –
08:31 –
7:00
07:30
08:00
08:30
09:00
8,170
9,272
11,670
12,945
15,460
09:01 –
09:30
After
09:30
Not Stated
7,121
3,480
2,003
Table 8: Persons at work aged 15 Years and over in Co. Wicklow by distance traveled to Work, 2002
Total
Distance Travelled
47,123
0 Miles
1 Mile
2 Miles
3-4
Miles
5-9
Miles
10-14
Miles
15-29
Miles
30
Miles
and
Over
Not
Stated
2,323
6,344
2,980
3,055
5,962
6,469
9,937
4,814
5,239
Table 9: Persons aged 15 years and over (excluding those who work mainly at or from home) by time leaving
home to travel to Work 2002
Total
Time Travelling
44,331
< ¼ hour
¼ hour < ½ hour
½ hour < ¾ hour
¾ hour < 1 hour
1 hour - <
1 ½ hour
1 ½ hours
and over
Not
Stated
10,891
8,821
6,388
4,122
6,284
3,202
4,623
52
Deprivation
Deprivation scores range from – 50 to 50 with –50 being extremely deprived and 50 being
extremely affluent. The score for County Wicklow as a whole in 1991 was 3.6 and for 2002 stood
at 19.8. The map below shows the distribution of relative affluence and deprivation in each ED in
the County in 2002. There were no EDs in County Wicklow, which were classified as ‘Extremely
Disadvantaged’, though many of the EDs were classified as being ‘Marginally Above Average’ or
‘Marginally Below Average’. Rathmichael is the only ED classified as being ‘Very Disadvantaged’
and Cronebane and Coolboy were classified as being ‘Disadvantaged’.
53
Bray RAPID
RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) is a focused initiative by
the government to target the most concentrated areas of disadvantage in the country. Bray is one of
25 urban centres identified for Strand 1 of the programme. A local area action plan and priority
actions have been drawn up to trigger the frontloading of investment by Government Departments.
The programme also facilitates closer co-ordination and better integration in the delivery of local
services.
Five Local Authority estates in Bray form the RAPID area. These estates include:
• Fassaroe
• Oldcourt
• Ballywaltrim Heights
• Kilbride Grove
• Deerpark/Heatherwood/White Oaks/Ard na Greine & Cois Sleibhe
54
Appendix 2
Copies of Questionnaires Used in the Research
55
Wicklow County Childcare Committee
Childcare Census January 2009
Please return in the enclosed SAE before February 12th 2009
Please complete the following in relation to your childcare service.
1. Contact Details
Service Name: ______________________________Contact name____________________
Address:______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________Mobile number__________________________
Email: _________________________ Website Address:__________________________
2. Operational Details
How many days per week does your service operate? _______________________
What are your opening hours ? ___________________________________________
How many weeks per year does your service operate? _______________________
Please complete the table below in relation to number of places available in your service in
different age categories.
Number of Places Available
Number Currently Attending
Under 1 Year
1-3 Years
3-5 Years (preschool)
School Going
Do you operate a waiting list ?
Yes_____________ No _____________
3. Staff
How many staff members are employed in your service?
____________
Please complete the table below in relation to each staff member, CE worker and volunteer
currently active in your service (Include Owner / Manager if appropriate)
(Attach additional pages if necessary. All information will be held strictly confidential)
Job Title
No. Hours worked
per week
Hourly Rate of Pay
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
56
How many of those listed above have attained FETAC level 5, equivalent or higher childcare
related qualifications? ______________
4. Premises
Is the premises from which your service operates
Privately Owned
Leased
Other _____________________________
Which of the following best describes your current accommodation
Purpose built childcare centre
School classroom
Converted Residential House
Part of own home
Parish /Community hall (Centre)
Extension to own home
Purpose built as part of a bigger community project
Other (please give details) ____________________________________________
Do you have access to an outdoor play space?
Yes
Have you any plans to develop / expand your premises?
No
Yes
No
If yes, please give brief details: ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. Fees
Please give details of your current fees charged per child per day. If different rates apply for
different services offered or for different age groups, please give details. (All information will
be strictly confidential)
Details of fees charged:
€
€
€
per day; or
per week; or
per month
6. Children with Special Needs
How many Children with Special Needs currently attend your service? ____________
What is the nature of their needs? D=Professionally Diagnosed A=Under Assessment
Type of Disability
No of
Type of Disability
No of Children
Children
D
A
D
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Speech & Language Delay
Down Syndrome
English as a Second Language
Attention Deficit Disorder
Sight/hearing impairment
Other
Other
Do you have any special needs workers employed? Yes
No
A
. If yes, how many? _____
Do you hold places specifically for children with additional needs? Yes
No
If yes, how many such places do you hold? ________
Thank You for Your Co-operation!
57
Survey of Notified Childminders in East Wicklow
All information is confidential and for statistical purposes only. None of this information will be
attached to your personal file.
Childminder: [[Contact:26]]
Address:
[[Address 1:27]], [[Address 2:28]], [[City:30]], [[County:31]]
About your Childminding Service
1. How long have you been Childminding?
Under 1 year
1-2 years
3-5 years
6-10 years
Over 10 years
2. How many children do you mind?
Type of childcare place
Sess up to 3.5 hrs
P/T up to 5 hrs
F/T more.5 hrs
continuously
continuously
continuously
Number of childcare places offered
Number of childcare places filled
Number of vacancies
Current operating hours (e.g. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Current number of days open per week
Current number of weeks open per year
3. How many children do you have in each age group?
Under 1 Year
1-2 Years
3-5 Years (preschool)
School Going
4. How many of the children you mind are relatives (excluding your own)?
5. How many Children with Special Needs currently attend your service?
What is the nature of their needs?
Type of Need
No of Children
Type of Need
Autism
English Second Language
Behavioural Difficulties
Sensory Impairment
Developmental Delay
Speech & Language Delay
Down Syndrome
Other
No of Children
About the Business Side of Childminding
6. Describe your working terms and conditions.
58
Do you have/get
Written contract with parents
Answer
Comment
Paid holidays
How many days?
Paid bank holidays
Paid parent/child absence
An assistant
7. Describe your rates and charges.
What is your
Average working week in hours
Answer
Comment
Full-time rate per week
Daily rate
Part-time rate per hour
Mileage rate (if any)
Sibling discount (if any)
Method of payment
8. Do you avail of the Childminder’s Tax Relief?
Yes
No
9. Are any of the following services included in your rate?
Do you provide
A formal playgroup session
Answer
Comment
Before & After school care
After school care
Drop offs/pick ups
Meals
Snacks
Nappies/wipes
Homework supervision
Other
Describe!
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About the Childminding Advisory Service
10. How happy are you with the support and schemes the Childminding Advisory Service
provides? (Please rate each aspect 1-5; where 1 = poor, and 5 = excellent.)
Support
Training courses
Rating
Comment
Training discount
Network events
Advisory visits
Telephone support
Voluntary Notification
Development Grant
Other
11. What new services, events or activities could the Childminding Advisory Service provide
to encourage the development of Childminding? (Write overleaf -all ideas welcome!)
12. Do want to be put in to the draw for FREE places at the IFDCO international conference
for Childminders in Cork, 22nd -25th July 2009?
Yes
No
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