23/04/2012
£6m To Be Spent On Pre-School Education Over The Next Three Years
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Daithi McKay MLA has welcomed the Education Ministers announcement that an extra £6 million will be spend on pre-school education over the next three years.
Mr McKay said: "I welcome the announcement this morning from Education Minister John O’Dowd that an extra £6 million is to be spent of pre-school education over the next three years.
"At present over 94% of children have already been placed this year and while there are places for every child I understand some of the concerns that have been raised by parents who may have to travel long distances to access a place. This extra funding will go some way in alleviating the problems of getting a place for children that is within a reasonable travelling time from home.
"Sinn Féin has always stated that there should be a place for every child wanting to avail of pre school education and Minister John O'Dowd has shown his commitment to this by announcing this funding.
"In addition, the Minister has announced his intention to extend Sure Start coverage to the 25 percent most disadvantaged areas which will make this support available to many more families."
(CD)
Mr McKay said: "I welcome the announcement this morning from Education Minister John O’Dowd that an extra £6 million is to be spent of pre-school education over the next three years.
"At present over 94% of children have already been placed this year and while there are places for every child I understand some of the concerns that have been raised by parents who may have to travel long distances to access a place. This extra funding will go some way in alleviating the problems of getting a place for children that is within a reasonable travelling time from home.
"Sinn Féin has always stated that there should be a place for every child wanting to avail of pre school education and Minister John O'Dowd has shown his commitment to this by announcing this funding.
"In addition, the Minister has announced his intention to extend Sure Start coverage to the 25 percent most disadvantaged areas which will make this support available to many more families."
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.