SureStart programmes support development of children

Chief Inspector of the Education and Training Inspectorate, Stanley Goudie, has highlighted the progress SureStart has made in developing programmes for two-year-olds.

Mr Goudie was speaking following publication of the Education and Training Inspectorate evaluation of the programme for two-year-olds in SureStart centres.

Mr Goudie said: “While the overall provision for pre-school education has many strengths, too many children commence their pre-school year demonstrating difficulties with aspects of their learning and development. As a consequence many of these children fall further behind and require additional support.”

SureStart has a focus on supporting the healthy development of children in disadvantaged wards by bringing health, education and parenting support services together in a co-ordinated way. During 2008 the Inspectorate undertook exploratory visits to 13 SureStart centres to find out more about the programme for two-year olds. The Department of Education then commissioned the Inspectorate to carry out a more detailed evaluation of the programme for two-year-olds. These evaluation visits took place in November 2009 and form the basis for the published report.

Mr Goudie continued: “The evidence from this evaluation shows that satisfactory to good progress has been made in developing programmes for two-year-olds. This programme has the potential to add value to pre-school provision and contribute positively to an integrated approach to meeting the needs of young children and their families.

“Our evaluation did, however, identify the continuing need for the implementation of effective strategic planning, improved professional development and higher levels of qualifications for the staff and more effective collaborative working practices among education and health professionals.”

Notes to editors:

1. There are 32 SureStart programmes across Northern Ireland.
2. A copy of the publication ‘An Evaluation of the SureStart Programme for two year olds’ can be accessed on the ETI website.
3. 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.