|
|
Start Strong E-Newsletter October 2015
|
|
|
 |
|
We hope you've had a nice bank holiday weekend and get a chance to enjoy the rest of the mid-term break, as well as all the fun of Halloween! In this issue, we take a closer look at Budget 2016 and the welcome increase in investment in early years care and education. However, while it's a positive step in the right direction, we know that there's a long way to go before we can ensure the best possible start in life for all young children. In many ways this month's Budget announcement signaled the start of campaign season. With early years garnering much political and media discussion in recent weeks, Start Strong will now focus on keeping up this momentum and making sure early years is a key issue come election time. This issue also looks at the latest Pobal annual survey of the early years sector, which provides the most comprehensive data that is publicly available on Ireland. We also report on some recent research, as well as an update on discussions in the Oireachtas on early years matters in recent weeks.
As always, you can keep in touch with us by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. We are always keen to get your feedback and comments.
With best wishes,
The team at Start Strong - Ciairín, Toby, Lorraine and Michael.
|
|
Budget 2016 - Analysis
 October's Budget announcement was the first budget in years which saw an increase in the level of public investment in early years care and education.
Start Strong's Analysis of Budget 2016 welcomes this investment as a significant step in the development of early childhood care and education in Ireland. Such measures now must be built upon in the coming years, especially in relation to the quality of services and parental leave as well as affordability.
Read more
|
General Election Campaign - An Election for Children  It looks like the General Election will take place later than many people expected, with a Spring 2016 date looking likely.
But it's clear that the campaigning is already underway. Budget 2016 allowed the Government to outline their priorities should they be returned to office, with childcare high among them. Opposition parties have also been eager to outline their proposals for early childhood care and education.
In the coming months Start Strong will work hard to keep early years investment a key issue ahead of Election 2016. Read more
|
Pobal recently published the 2014 findings of its Annual Early Years Sector Survey. The survey goes to all services that take part in Government-funded schemes (including the Free Pre-School Year).
The survey provides data on a range of issues. Our post includes a summary of its key findings from a policy perspective, which looks at the types of early years care and education services available, a profile of children and families who access these services, childcare fees, staffing and qualifications in the sector, and the rate of inspections.
Read more
|
|
Research Update
Our research update provides a summary of some of the most significant research that has been recently published in the early years sector.
This includes an important international review recently published, which focusses on the impact of early care and education. Start Strong referred to the review's conclusions in a recent letter to The Irish Times.
In addition, two recent initiatives may help to push forward Irish research in the area.
Read more
|
|
Oireachtas Update
Our Oireachtas Update provides links to debates and questions raised in the Oireachtas since the previous newsletter on issues relating to children's early care and education.
This issue includes parliamentary questions concerning the extension of free pre-school provision, the affordability of childcare, the levels of public funding for early years services and additional supports for children with special needs attending pre-school.
|
Start StrongAdvancing children's early care and education in Ireland
  www.startstrong.ie+353-1-662-4018
|
|
|
 | |
Happy Halloween from Start Strong!
|
 | Better Together
Start Strong has entered the 2015 Better Together Video Competition, where non-profits can win €2,000 towards their work. To see our video and vote for us please click here. |
 | Supporters
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
