Swann backs call for Pre-School Education
Mr Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate, has pledged his “total backing” for 20 hours of pre-school education as a universal entitlement for all children.
Mr Swann said this pledge was a significant part of the Ulster Unionists’ election manifesto, and in this respect, he also “wholeheartedly supported” the Northern Ireland Pre-School Playgroup Association’s call for the 20-hour curriculum.
The North Antrim UUP candidate added: “The real benefit of having a full devolved and legislative Assembly is that it can work in partnership with parents and teachers to provide a quality educational environment and experience for all our children.
“The early years of children before they enter primary education can be vital in teaching them both a number of essential life skills as well as building their confidence in preparing to enter Primary One.
“This is why 20 hours per week of pre-school learning should be a guaranteed right for every child in our Province. We are not simply beginning the process of preparing the children for primary school, but we as a Province are investing in their futures as part of a life-long learning strategy.
“Today’s pre-school children will be tomorrow’s workforce. Also, by introducing them to the Northern Ireland education system from an early age, when the young people reach the age to progress into higher education, hopefully, the vast majority of them will chose to remain in Ulster and combat the so-called ‘brain drain’ to Great Britain.
“In this respect, I would urge any future Executive to ensure our Province meets the target of establishing at least 70 Sure Start Children’s Centres by 2012. This is a figure proportionately equivalent to those set up in Great Britain.
“Likewise, the legislative Assembly must equally ensure that these centres are accessable to all in the community – both those from urban and rural-dwelling families,” said Mr Swann.