Early years matter!

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today launched the consultation on the draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy.

Speaking about the launch the Minister said: “The early years in a child’s life are the most important in shaping their future, unlocking their potential, identifying issues early enough so that we can intervene and giving them the opportunity to pursue any path in life they choose. These years are also essential in developing children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual abilities.

“There is much good work in early years education here in the north, but we need to build on that good provision, as well as try and look towards new measures to further enhance and improve children’s development.”

She added: “The purpose of the draft Strategy is to set out a vision and plan for the development of Early Years services. It seeks to ensure better outcomes for children by setting out a framework to improve the provision and quality of services to the youngest children, their parents and families over the next five years.

“My Department is committed to ensuring children get the most out of their early years. In 2010/11 the Department is making a significant investment in early years provision, allocating around £80million to a range of services, including Sure Start, funded pre-school provision in both the statutory and voluntary settings and support for intermediary bodies working in the early years sector, including the Early Years Organisation.

“The draft Strategy will reflect the drive for a common approach across all education bodies so that children and parents have access to the right provision, at the right time. Every child should be given the chance to achieve and by unlocking their potential early, we can ensure they have the best possible start to life.”

The draft Strategy document is available from the Department of Education’s website, together with a supporting Evidence Based Paper and consultation response document.

The Minister encouraged all with an interest in early years to consider the documents: She said: “I would encourage all those with an interest in this area to respond to this consultation by 30 November 2010. This is our opportunity to shape early years services for the years to come, we must not miss it.”

Notes to editors:

1. The consultation on the draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy runs from 25 June 2010 to 30 November 2010.
2. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 02891279207. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.