Policy Developments 1990-2004 - Centre for Early Childhood ...

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Section 4Policy Developments 1990-2004is also recommended. The provision ofappropriate playgroup facilities, providing“…intensive early therapy services forchildren…” (DoH, 1996b:53) and theirfamilies are also considered vital in earlyintervention.The DHC was the lead agency in theproduction of the National Children’sStrategy – Our Children, Their Lives(DHC, 2000). It provides a framework forIreland regarding children and youngpeople and follows from the ratification byIreland in 1992 of the UN Convention onthe Rights of the Child (UN, 1989). Itaspires to “…enhance the status andfurther improve the quality of life ofIreland’s children” (DHC, 2000:6) andoutlines a number of strategies for therealisation of these objectives. The vision ofthe National Children’s Strategy is asfollows:An Ireland where children arerespected as young citizens with avalued contribution to make and avoice of their own; where allchildren are cherished andsupported by family and widersociety; where they enjoy a fulfillingchildhood and realise their potential.(DHC, 2000:10)This vision incorporates three nationalgoals:1. Children will have a voice in matterswhich affect them and their viewswill be given due weight inaccordance with their age andmaturity.2. Children’s lives will be betterunderstood; their lives will benefitfrom evaluation, research andinformation on their needs, rightsand the effectiveness of services.3. Children will receive quality supportsand services to promote all aspects oftheir development (DHC, 2000:11).Specifically relating to the quality ofchildcare services, Objective A of theStrategy relates to the provision of highquality childcare for all children:Children’s early education anddevelopmental need will be metthrough quality childcare servicesand family-friendly employmentmeasures. (DHC, 2000:50)It further elaborates on this objective,outlining the multiple positive effects ofhigh quality ECCE services for all children,with special emphasis placed on thebenefits to those with special needs andthose affected by disadvantage (DHC,2000:51)In 2001, the DHC made funding availableto introduce a voluntary notificationscheme for childminders looking after threeor less children ( outside the remit of the1996 Regulations) in their homes. Uponnotification, they receive the support of thelocal childminder’s advisory officer, whoperforms a multiplicity of tasks insupporting and enhancing the quality of theservices provided (Childcare Policy Unit,DHC, Personal Communication, 15 thMarch, 2004).The NCO was established in 2001 toimprove all aspects of children’s lives byleading and supporting the implementationof the National Children’s Strategy. Thefirst major policy document of the NCO isReady, Steady Play – A NationalPlay Policy (NCO, 2004), following onfrom the recommendations within theNational Children’s Strategy:The National Play Policy is aboutcreating better play opportunitiesfor children. Its overall objective isto plan for an increase in public playfacilities and thereby improve thequality of life of children living inIreland by providing them withmore play opportunities. (NCO,2004:8)34
Section 4Policy Developments 1990-2004The Play Policy cites the importantinvestment in childcare under the EOCP,“…with a significantly enhanced focus onthe quality of these services.” (NCO,2004:10) However, it also outlines the lackof available data on play opportunities forchildren cared for by childminders outsidethe Preschool Regulations. In addition, theopportunities for play afforded withprimary schools are examined and there isa recommendation that such opportunitiesbe developed (NCO, 2004:25). Within itseight objectives, Ready, Steady, Play alsooffers a framework for the actions neededand the agencies responsible to ensure thatquality is achieved in play facilities forchildren.Additionally, the NCO facilitates a HighLevel Interdepartmental Working Group,which addresses issues of coordinationbetween education and care and betweengovernment departments.Implications for the National Framework for Quality -DHCDefining Quality:1. The health and safety of the environment of the child is of paramount importance inensuring a quality service is provided, including space per child, lighting andventilation.2. High staff-child ratios are an important aspect of ensuring quality within services.3. Opportunities for the child to develop in a holistic way within settings areimperative through the provision of appropriate materials and possibilities forinteraction.4. National policy underpinning and promoting the position of children in societygreatly assists practical implementation of initiatives in relation to ECCE andensures such issues remain on the political agenda.5. Providing opportunities for children to experience a broad range of play experiencesgreatly improves the quality of life for children.Assessing Quality:1. A legislative framework is a necessity for an inspection system to ensure compliancewith the regulations prescribed.2. The inspection system must evaluate all aspects of the setting, including the tangiblestructural aspects, as well as the more subtle and dynamic aspects, and must beapplicable to all settings where children birth to six are present.Supporting Quality:1. Early intervention for children with special needs or those affected by disadvantage,both in the home and in preschool settings, is important for the achievement ofquality within services.2. Parents and families of children with special needs need to be supported to dealwith the additional implications involved.3. Transition from preschool to primary is a significant event in a child’s life and must35
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