EU children ‘three times more likely’ to attend pre-school

CHILDREN in other EU countries are three times more likely to go to pre-school than their Irish counterparts, latest research has shown.

The figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) show that out of almost 30 other developed countries, only Korea had fewer children aged under four enrolled in early education.

Less than one in four Irish children in this age category were in private or State-funded pre-schools in 2005, compared with an average of 69% in almost 30 other developed countries and three out of four in 19 EU countries measured.

The figures in the Education at a Glance 2007 report reflect what experts describe as Ireland’s abysmal contribution to early education.

Dr Philomena Donnelly, a lecturer in early childhood education at St Patrick’s College in Dublin, said statistics like these are a damning indictment and highlight how embarrassingly out of step Ireland is with most other states. She referred to reports by the OECD and the National Economic and Social Forum recommending radical change in where and how children are taught and cared for up to the age of six.

“Yet, with all the recent reports and initiatives in the area of early years, there have been no proposals for a national state-run kindergarten system of education for Irish children.

“Ireland has much to learn from European countries where organised education systems for young children have existed since the early 18th century,” said Dr Donnelly.

The Department of Education provides an Early Start programme in disadvantaged areas, where children attend pre-school in the year before starting junior infants. The Programme for Government promises that every child will have access to a pre-school place by 2012, with priority for children in the most disadvantaged communities.

Dr Donnelly said research shows investment in the early years has a long-term positive effect for the individuals and the society.

“Children participating in quality early years education are more likely to remain longer in the schooling system and to participate in mainstream society, and are less likely to be involved in criminal activity,” she said.