Vol. 518 No. 4
99 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in implementing the proposal in the White Paper on Early Childhood Education regarding the introduction of a quality in education mark and all other quality proposals in the paper for pre-school education providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11815/00]
Initial planning for implementation of the recommendations made in the White Paper is currently under way in my Department. My implementation priorities are the development of quality standards for early childhood education and the necessary structures to promote the quality in education mark among early education providers and parents. I am also anxious to develop further the early childhood provision for the disadvantaged and pupils with special needs as envisaged in the White Paper.
The proposals concerning quality in education cover a wide range of areas including curriculum guidelines, methodologies, staff qualifications and training. The development of standards in these and other areas will be undertaken in consultation with interested parties and experts in the early education field. While progress in this area will be a priority, development of the quality standards will take some time. A significant amount of research into international best practice will be required in order to ensure the highest possible quality of early education for young children. The development of the quality in education mark will be underpinned by support, evaluation and inspection.
