Early school play is the key to a higher standard in young adults [Independent.ie]
- Published: 18 May 2011
For decades it was the poor relation of Irish education. In the public mind, the country's pre-school sector was regarded as little more than a glorified babysitting service.
Now there is growing awareness in education circles that good quality nursery schools can play a crucial role in raising standards right through the education system.
OECD surveys suggest that 15-year-old students who have attended pre-school education tend do better in Maths and literacy tests than those who did not, even allowing for different social backgrounds.
The recent Draft National Plan To Improve Literacy and Numeracy in Schools suggested that problems have to be addressed long before children arrive in school.
The national plan said: "Research has consistently shown that three- and four-year-olds who attend high quality pre-school are more successful in primary school and beyond -- both academically and socially.''
Calling for the upskilling of staff in the sector, the report said: "Children who are at risk of school failure are strongly influenced by the quality of early childhood education.''
Full Story: www.independent.ie
