Cutbacks hit pre-school children as research centre shut

THE latest education cutback is to close a centre developing vital Government policy and structures for pre-school education.

The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE) was set up six years ago to co-ordinate provision and policies covering nurseries, creches, playgroups, childminders, pre-schools and infant classes of primary schools.

It has eight staff and an annual budget of about €800,000, but it is understood the work will now be transferred to the Office of Children’s Minister Barry Andrews.