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This time last year, RTÉ's Prime Time investigation into crèches, A Breach of Trust, shocked the country with its scenes of children being mistreated. Despite this, very little has happened to improve the situation. Clearly we need greater leadership, political will and investment to bring about real change.
In recent weeks, we welcomed new Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Charlie Flanagan TD. We look forward to working with him, particularly on raising quality standards in early care and education services and on the National Early Years Strategy, due out this year.
In this issue, we've reviewed Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, the government's National Policy Framework 2014-2020, which draws together the full range of Government policies on children and young people up to the age of 24. You can also read about the Children First Bill, our election campaign, and the evaluation of the National Early Years Access Initiative (NEYAI).
Finally, we'd like to introduce our newest recruit, Communications and Campaigns Officer, Tressan McCambridge. Tressan is responsible for Start Strong's communications, public relations and social media. So feel free to send her a tweet and say hello.
With best wishes,
All the team at Start Strong.
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One year on from Prime Time investigation
 A year ago this week, RTÉ's Prime Time broadcast its investigation into the mistreatment of children in crèches - A Breach of Trust. On the anniversary of the broadcast, Start Strong issued a press release arguing that little has been done at a policy level to improve the situation. To help bring about real change, we call on the new Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to publish a draft of the National Early Years Strategy to allow for consultation. Read more |
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Children First Bill
 The Children First Bill - which will give legal force to child protection rules - has at last been published. The fact that reporting of child protection concerns will now be a legal requirement is extremely welcome. In some respects, however, the bill is weaker than had been expected. In particular, it lacks sanctions for those who fail to report child protection concerns. In addition, the mandatory reporting requirement does not apply to childminders. In our view, all children - regardless of the early education/childcare setting they are in - should have the same protection provided by the Children First legislation. Read more |
 Local & European Elections During the run-up to the local and European elections, Start Strong called on all candidates to invest in children and become "child rights champions". We would like to congratulate all those who were elected. With the voting over, the ball is now in their court. At local level, councillors should make sure services work together in the interests of children. In particular, they should ensure safe and easy access to outside play areas and green spaces. At European level, representatives can promote European legislation of relevance to children and families (such as on parental leave and work-life balance). They should also promote the use of EU funds to improve early care and education services. Read more |
 Evaluation of NEYAI and Síolta QAP
The findings from the National Early Years Access Initiative (NEYAI) were presented at an event in Dublin on May 23rd. The initiative funded 11 varied projects around the country over the last 3 years, to improve quality and outcomes in children's early years.
The evaluation concludes that improving children's outcomes requires a holistic approach. Early care and education services cannot do the job on their own, even if they are high quality. We also need to look at supports for families and wider social policies. Read more
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National Policy Framework 2014-2020
 In mid-April the Government published Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures - the "National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, 2014-2020".
The document draws together the full range of Government policies on children and young people up to the age of 24. The approach embodied in the new National Policy Framework is very positive and welcome. It has a clear commitment to children's rights, and a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention. Read more |
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The case for prevention and early intervention
The Prevention and Early Intervention Network (PEIN) - of which Start Strong is a member - has just published a short document written by Brian Harvey, that sets out the case for prevention and early intervention, using clear language.
It was launched alongside a Youtube video of interviews with five "Champions" of prevention and early intervention, including our own board member Professor Nóirín Hayes.
The publication makes clear that prevention and early intervention are good for children's outcomes - and that they make good economic sense. Read more |
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Political update
 "Political update" is a new section of our e-newsletter. It gives an update on political developments in relation to early care and education policy. In this issue, we include links to Oireachtas debates on the Children First Bill, the regulation of childminders, and on the affordability of childcare, as well as a range of parliamentary questions. Read more |
Start StrongAdvancing children's early care and education in Ireland
  www.startstrong.ie+353-1-662-4018
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