July 24, 2017 at 12:45 pm
MUT does not agree with cameras – unfair to blame child carers on organisational shortcomings
The MUT notes the current discussions on Child Care Centres, particularly comments made by the Commissioner for Children. The Union agrees that these centres should always act in the best interest of the children under their care, particularly in the standards reached and in good practices. The Union also agrees that cases of abuse should be reported immediately through established channels.
The MUT, however, notes that most issues to be tackled are related to centres as organisations – ratios of carers to children, transparency of centres, health & safety, cleanliness and other related issues – and it is therefore unfair to blame carers personally for such shortcomings. The Union certainly does not agree that cameras and additional spot-checks on carers should be the way forward and instead the powers that be should first of all work on making sure that the National Standards at organisation level are reached. This, the Union believes, would eliminate most of the current issues and would improve the conditions of those who ultimately work in the front line.
In conclusion, the MUT is willing to continue discussing issues on behalf of its members to improve the situation for all concerned.
