In my opinion: New scheme opens up an early education to all [Independent.ie]
- Published: 20 January 2010
The significance of the Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) scheme, which is under way from this month, must not be underestimated. It is a ground-breaking development in the childcare sector and means that children in Ireland, regardless of their parents' income, are entitled to one year of pre-school education free.
For childcare workers and providers, it recognises the importance of their role in the lives of very young children. For primary school teachers, it is a welcome development as it gets children ready for 'big school'. The ECCE scheme is good as it stands, but with the potential to be great.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
INTO wants teacher panel retained [rte.ie]
- Published: 20 January 2010
Teachers and opposition politicians have called on Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe to reverse plans to abolish a special teacher substitution system.
The system benefits schools in disadvantaged urban areas, as well as some rural districts.
The Department of Education says the decision to cut the teacher supply panel scheme in the Budget makes sense and will save more than €1m.
Full Story: www.rte.ie
Staff only: Striking a blow for teachers living in the real world [Independent.ie]
- Published: 20 January 2010
Great news! Derby County beat Peterborough United 2-0 on Saturday. Thing is, nobody really cares about Derby anymore -- they haven't been relevant to modern football since 1976, back when British union officials sat down for beer and sandwiches with Harold Wilson at 10 Downing Street.
In those days, the unions were always calling strikes and work-to-rules. Eventually the public got fed up with them and put union-basher supreme Margaret Thatcher into power.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
O’Keeffe moves to dissolve the NUI [Independent.ie]
- Published: 20 January 2010
The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe, is to dissolve the National University of Ireland (NUI).
Minister O’Keeffe acknowledged the important role the NUI has played in Irish education for more than a century.
‘However, the central role of the NUI was significantly reduced in the Universities Act, 1997, and the need to have a separate body undertaking what is now a limited set of functions has been outlived.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
O'Keeffe to dissolve National University of Ireland [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 20 January 2010
Minister O’Keeffe acknowledged the important role the NUI has played in Irish education for more than a century.
Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com
