Stranmillis-led Review of Republic of Ireland’s Early Childhood Education and Care programme published

A major independent review of the Republic of Ireland’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECCE) programme, led by Stranmillis University College’s Head of Early Years, Dr Glenda Walsh, was published this week by the Irish government’s Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). 

The ECCE programme is a free, universal two-year preschool programme available to all children within an eligible age range from 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months, funded by the Department.

In 2023, a team of researchers from Stranmillis University College, working with Dr Thérèse Farrell from Dublin City University, was funded to undertake a comprehensive, independent review of the initiative, with the aim of identifying what has been working well, the challenges that still exist, and what enhancements might be made going forward.  

While recommending some enhancements that might be made, the researchers nevertheless found that the ECCE programme was viewed very favourably by providers, parents, and children, and is now widely regarded as a model of good practice from which other countries can learn. 

Welcoming the latest figures and finding from the Review, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman said: 

“These figures I have released today and the findings from the review by Stranmillis University College show the success story the ECCE programme has become. 

“With more than 1 million enrolments since the programme was first introduced and uptake rates in excess of 96%, it is clear this programme has been embraced wholeheartedly by children and their families and by wider society. 

“Moreover, with 40% of families reporting that they would not have been able to enrol their child in pre-school had it not been for the ECCE programme, it is clear that this programme has altered early learning experiences and development opportunities for all children and children experiencing disadvantage in particular.” 

Minister O’Gorman’s full statement and links to the Executive and Final Reports can be read here.