‘Parents are asking what’s going to happen in January... I don’t want to let them down’

A PRESCHOOL owner from Skyrne who was left shocked after her insurance quote doubled in the space of a year says she could be forced to close her doors if the government refuses to step in to tackle the crisis.

Alison King who owns Skyrnehill Preschool has been left scrambling for cover with just days to go to Christmas after her insurance quote jumped by more than 50% overnight and has warned that crippling premiums will have a ‘devastating effect’ on childcare providers if action is not taken.

Her comments follow the news that Ironshore Europe, one of only two leading childcare insurers recently announced that it is quitting the Irish market. The rising cost of insurance, coupled with a lack of providers, have thrown staff and parents into a state of panic amid fears that creches could close en masse in January.  

 

“My policy is up for renewal on the 31st of December. The only option is to close or pay."

Last week the broker Padraic Smith & Co advised clients including Alison to contact Arachas Corporate Insurance Brokers immediately to establish if they would be in a position to take them on to access insurance with Allianz Ireland.

“There is now only one company offering us insurance and I am seriously worried about the viability of my business if this monopoly is allowed to exist.

“Last year my insurance only cost €545.00 but I have been quoted a price of €1027.50 for the coming year even though there are no changes and I have never had a claim or issue with preschool insurance.

“I have the same amount of children, the same amount of staff the building is the exact same.

“My policy is up for renewal on the 31st of December. The only option is to close or pay. I’m fully government-funded and I have no way of recouping that money only to take it out of my own wage. I don’t charge parents and the government has decided what my job is worth and they pay me that amount. This extra €500 is my Christmas pay which I won’t get now.

The preschool owner's insurance quote doubled overnight as a leading provider for childcare facilities left the Irish marketplace

“This company also told me that I would get a discount if I buy a membership with Early Childhood Ireland. As Early Childhood Ireland is a government-funded organisation I feel this is unfair, unethical and a conflict.

“It is meant to represent all of us but if I want to be a member, I have to pay €230. I don’t see why I should have to pay when they are already getting government funding. I feel like I’m being forced to pay membership to this company if I want to remain in business.]

Alison says the situation is “taking the joy away from Christmas.”

 

The Skryne business woman wants the government to step in and tackle the crisis

“We should all be enjoying the children. The parents are asking what’s going to be happening in January. A lot of people rely on my service. They are really worried thinking about what could happen. I love all of the children, I have such a good relationship with all of the families so I don’t want to let them down.

“We are part of their lives and I can’t just disappear from their lives with no notice but it is a business, I have two staff members and I can’t do it for the good of my health either. 

“If we all roll over now who’s to say next year that we won’t be in the same situation.”