04/01/2005

Government launch pre-school uptake campaign

An advertising campaign encouraging parents to apply for a free pre-school place was launched today by Education Minister Barry Gardiner.

Announcing the three week television and radio campaign, Mr Gardiner said good quality nursery education could improve children’s social, educational and emotional development and ensure they get off to the very best start in life.

“There are places for more than 90% of children in their immediate pre-school year, thanks to the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme,” the Minister said. “I believe this initiative will make a huge difference to this generation of children and for future generations to come.

“I want to encourage parents to take up the opportunity of pre-school education for their children and apply before noon on 26 January 2005.”

Application forms are now available from nurseries, playgroups and Education and Library Boards.

Parents should list, in order of preference, the pre-school centres for which they would like to apply.

The closing date for applications is noon on 26 January 2005 with parents being contacted by mid-April.

(MB/SP)

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