The Education Minister has claimed that Northern Ireland is on the way to providing a pre-school place for every child whose parents desire it.

Mr McGuinness was speaking at yesterday's launch of a report – ‘Begin with Quality’ – on the quality of education provision in voluntary and private pre-school centres, compiled by the Education and Training Inspectorate.

An audience of more than 100 representatives of the pre-school sector and the Inspectorate in Belfast’s Wellington Park Hotel attended the launch. Delegates heard that the education department has set out its aim to provide one year of free pre-school education for every child whose parents wish it under the Pre-School Expansion Programme. In real terms, this represents an extra 9,000 places for children since 1998.

Mr McGuinness added: “However, it is vital to ensure that these places provide high-quality education, enabling our young children to progress and reach their full potential. It is therefore very encouraging that the main finding of the Report is that over 70% of the pre-school centres inspected were providing pre-school education of an overall satisfactory, good or very good quality.

“The pre-school experience often represents a child’s first contact with the educational system and I am committed to ensuring that they fully benefit from it."

Praising the dedication and hard work of all those who work in pre-school centres, Mr McGuinness said: “As the report illustrates, it is the knowledge and expertise of staff that develops a child’s love of learning and belief in themselves and I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who carry out these important roles.

“I want to encourage everyone to work together to ensure that the provision for children continues to improve and to serve even more fully the needs of our youngest citizens.”

The conference was also addressed his department’s Permanent Secretary, Gerry McGinn, and the Chief Inspector, Marion Matchett.

(GMcG)