Sir, – Regarding Breda O'Brien's "Free pre-school places about workers, not what is best for children" (Opinion & Analysis, October 17th), the writer cites a study which, she believes, questions the benefits of pre-school education. However, it should be noted that this study is an exception to the consensus of research which highlights the positive impacts of early childhood education and care.
Breda O’Brien refers to an October 2014 study by the Institute of Education (UK) and the Universities of Surrey and Essex, which she says highlights that pre-school has only modest benefits.
However, the study was not a full assessment of free pre-school provision in the UK. Instead, the report assessed the impact of spreading the availability of free pre-school places to more regions across the UK. Its authors note that the quality of the additional free provision – most of which were provided through private providers – may have been lower than the quality of the mainly State-provided free provision that was already in place.
This study contrasts with a plethora of research conducted into the impact of pre-school provision for children aged three and older. These studies support the Government’s promises to prioritise this sector in terms of quality, affordability and availability.
A comprehensive 2015 literature review – carried out by a cross-European team of researchers led by Prof Edward Melhuish of Oxford University – concludes that, “For provision for three years onwards the evidence is consistent that pre-school provision is beneficial to educational and social development for the whole population” – and not just for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, as Breda O’Brien may argue.
However, when examining the impact of pre-school education, the vast majority of academic work on this topic highlights the importance of quality.
The Melhuish literature review also notes that “the low level of much early childhood education and care quality is of concern” as “studies indicate that the benefits are greater for high quality provision”.
Therefore, it is imperative that the increased free pre-school provision in Ireland, while welcome, must be accompanied by a Government commitment to investment in high quality – both now, and in years to come. – Yours, etc,
CIAIRÍN de BUIS,
Director,
Start Strong,
Merrion Street Upper,
Dublin 2.