Summary

Description

The cut back on resources of local authorities but also the impact of the economic crisis on families had a multifaceted negative effect on childcare in day nurseries. The Ombudsman intervened in the case of a sudden increase in child day-care costs to be paid by parents to the Municipality. In the end, the Decentralized Administration of the Region of Attica admitted that the increase was unlawful and therefore non enforceable. The Ombudsman also intervened in the case of the cost for childcare that was co-funded for the period 2012-2013 by the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF). The Ombudsman found that some private kindergartens had increased the amount of the contribution required from parents disproportionately, based on the reduction of the compensation provided to them by the NSRF programme. The Ombudsman made a number of proposals to the competent Ministry, with a view to implementing the programme in such a way as responds effectively to families’ needs.