Vol. 446 No. 3
305 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of the early start pre-school pilot project; the areas chosen; the locations nominated; the criteria under which these have been chosen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2206/94]
The objective of the early start pre-school initiative is to expose young children to an educational programme which will enhance their overall development and lay a foundation for successful educational attainment in future years.
The pre-school programme will operate initially in eight locations which have been selected because of their high levels of disadvantage. The areas in question were selected after detailed consideration of needs across the disadvantaged areas.
Each of the eight pre-school centres will cater for up to sixty pupils in the three/four age group. Each centre will consist of two classrooms and each classroom will have the services of a fully qualified primary teacher and a special needs assistant.
A special capitation rate of £55 will be paid in respect of each pre-school pupil and a start-up grant of £4,500 per classroom is being made available to each centre to facilitate the purchase of necessary equipment.
The areas selected are as follows:
(1) Padre Pio, N.S. Churchfield, Cork.
(2) Presentation N.S., Galvone, Limerick.
(3) St. Peter Apostle, J.N.S., Neilstown, Clondalkin, Dublin.
(4) St. Oliver Plunkett, N.S., South Finglas, Dublin.
St. Finians, N.S. South Fingals, Dublin.
[one class will be located in each of these schools].
(5) Our Lady Immaculate S.N.S., Darndale, Dublin.
(6) Killinarden N.S., West Tallaght, Dublin.
