Tonight, RTÉ One will broadcast an RTÉ Investigates programme examining the standards of care in a chain of creches located in Dublin.
Following detailed concerns raised by members of the public, the programme goes undercover to look at the standards of care within Hyde & Seek Childcare.
Here is everything you need to know about the powerful documentary.
Who are Hyde & Seek Childcare?
Hyde & Seek Childcare is a family run business owned and run by the Davy family – Anne and Peter Davy and their daughter Siobhan Davy.
They have four creches across Dublin City catering for children from 3 months up to 12 years of age.
When does it air?
RTÉ Investigates – Creches, Behind Closed Doors airs tonight [Wednesday, July 24] at 9.35pm on RTÉ One.
What is the documentary about?
Recently RTÉ Investigates was contacted by several families who were concerned about the standards of care their children had received while at various Hyde & Seek Childcare crèches.
RTÉ Investigates had two undercover researchers successfully apply for childcare positions with the Hyde & Seek company. Both researchers had the required qualifications, are highly trained and were Garda vetted by RTÉ. RTÉ also worked with two care experts who advised them at all points on the evidence gathered by the researchers.
Crèches and preschool facilities must abide by a lengthy list of regulations which have been designed to protect the welfare of children. While RTÉ witnessed some examples of good care, it wasn’t long before the RTÉ undercover workers started to observe repeated breaches of regulation.
What has happened so far?
Back in 2004, company owner Anne Davy was prosecuted and convicted when staff from their Tolka Road branch left behind a 3 year old boy on his own at a local playground.
She was also convicted for a number of other regulatory breaches of regulations.
Three years later in 2007, she was convicted again for breaching regulations including child to adult ratios and failing to keep records. During these years the company changed name three times.
Ahead of the documentary airing tonight, RTÉ announced that Anne Davy – one of the owners of the Hyde & Seek Childcare crèche chain – is stepping down.
In a statement to the broadcaster, the company said she “… will take no future role in front line childcare provision.”
The statement also acknowledged “… that in recent months she has occasionally fallen below the standards of our behavioural management policy and has found herself being short, rather than simply direct.” Anne Davy added that she “…very much regrets this.”
RTÉ also confirmed it has reported its concerns to both TUSLA and Dublin Fire Brigade and continues to liaise with both bodies.
