Written answers

Tuesday, 18 May 2004

Department of Education and Science

Disadvantaged Status

9:00 pm

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his Department's plans to combat educational disadvantage before children start school; the extent to which his Department plans to become involved formally in preparing children during pre-school years; his views on the fact that extending the early-start programme in disadvantaged areas may be the best means of doing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14339/04]

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason the early-start programme for three and four-year olds is only available in 40 of the 350 disadvantaged areas identified by the scheme; if he will account for this failure to extend the scheme; his plans to extend the programme in the future in order to assist more children adjust to school life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14338/04]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 109 together.

The early start pre-school project was established in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk during 1994 and 1995. The aims of Early Start are to expose young children to an educational programme which would enhance their overall development, prevent school failure and offset the effects of social disadvantage.

The approach taken in early start is to establish groups of 15 pupils in existing primary schools in disadvantaged areas, with each class being run by a primary school teacher and a qualified child care worker. While the early start curriculum emphasises the development of cognitive and language skills, due regard is also had to personal and social development. The early start service has not been expanded since 1995.

In regard to future development of early childhood education provision for disadvantaged children, my Department, as part of a detailed review of educational disadvantage programmes, is currently exploring how such provision should best be delivered in the future. I am particularly concerned to ensure that any future actions by my Department in this area are based on a collaborative approach with other Departments involved in the overall early childhood care and education, ECCE, sector. Meeting the overall objective of providing the best possible service to the communities and children involved requires that any educational provision by my Department takes account of child care measures under the remit of other Departments.

The future development of the early start pre-school project is being considered as part of this process and I will make an announcement in this regard as soon as the detailed review of all initiatives to tackle educational disadvantage has been completed.

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