Links Childcare to introduce video monitoring

Links Childcare, one of the crèche operators featured in the RTÉ Prime Time documentary A Breach of Trust, has said it working to provide real time video monitoring of its facilities, subject to parental consent.

In a statement Links Childcare said it was looking at providing access to the CCTV system through a smartphone app.

“We believe the use of this technology will make it significantly easier for parents to keep abreast of their child’s daily activities in our crèches, reassuring them that their child is getting the best possible care,” the company said.

Giraffe, which runs the Belarmine crèche in Stepaside, Dublin that was featured in the programme, said it was “profoundly sorry” for the distress caused to the parents and children .

“We unreservedly apologise for the upset caused to all parents viewing these video clips and for the unacceptable breach of standards shown therein.”

One staff member had been suspended and the company’s practises have been reviewed it said, to include the installation of CCTV throughout all centres, increased training for all staff in child protection and managing children’s behaviour, and a complete reassessment of risk management procedures

“The footage shows evidence of inappropriate conduct in caring for young children primarily by one particular staff member who is currently suspended pending completion of investigation and full disciplinary process. We unreservedly apologise for the upset caused to all parents viewing these video clips and for the unacceptable breach of standards shown therein.”

A spokesman for the Little Harvard also apologised to the parents and the children at its facility in Rathnew Co Wicklow, for “any distress caused”.

“As the company is committed to providing a high quality service, it is deeply concerned about the content of this RTÉ programme.”

However, he said the directors of the company were “disappointed” that the footage focused on isolated incidents which “did not reflect the commitment, care and love the Little Harvard staff provide the children every day”.

Little Harvard was taking all steps necessary to ensure that “these shortcomings are not repeated” and would continue to carry out a full investigation into the incidents and review all options available to improve services at the crèche. Links Childcare said it was “acutely aware of the distress and anxiety being experienced by parents” following the broadcast, in which its branch at Abington, Malahide featured.

It said it had seen the footage last week and that “immediate steps were taken to dismiss one employee and to suspend three others, pending the findings of a full investigation”. The company is working with the HSE and other relevant bodies “to make further improvements in our procedures”.

“A full re-training programme for staff in all Links crèches begins this weekend.