Taoiseach addresses HighScope Training Roadshow in Westport

A quiet revolution has been taking place in many of the pre-schools and playgroups in County Mayo as approximately 200 staff have availed of a year-long training programme in the HighScope approach, delivered by the HSE Early Years Services Development Workers in conjunction with HighScope Ireland. The staff's commitment to and interest in this curriculum for early years was further shown by the large numbers of early years practitioners who participated in the HighScope Training Roadshow in Knockranny House Hotel, Westport, on the 16th and 17th May.

HSE Early Years Services Team pictured with An Taoiseach (From Left to Right) Jenny Bernard - Early Years Services Manager, Catherine Lavin – Early Years Services Officer, Laura McNally – Early Years Development Worker/High Scope Trainer, Nancy Flynn-McFadden – Early Years Development Worker/High Scope Trainer, Trina McGinty – Clerical Officer, Joanne Doherty – Early Years Development Worker/High Scope Trainer and Mary O’Hara Gavin – Childminding Advisory Officer with An Taoiseach. Photo Ken Wright Photography 2011.

Speaking at the official opening of the Roadshow, Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed his simple philosophy about how the state should interact with families, saying; ‘For every parent and for every child there should be signposts from the state that if they do get into difficulty or they need assistance or or encouragement, there's a place for them and they're not just left to wander in disillusionment and despair and all that comes from that'. . Jenny Bernard, HSE Early Years Services Manager, welcomed the Taoiseach's clear expression of how families should be supported, adding that it captured how she hopes that Early Years Family Support will be developed in the future.

Group of children from Bilberries Playgroup, Islandeady with An Taoiseach. Photo Ken Wright Photography 2011.

The Taoiseach also expressed his support for the work being done by early years practitioners in the county to raise standards in early education, recommending the development of links with the formal education system. The HighScope Training Roadshow highlighted how small scale investment in quality early years provision will help the country build for its long term recovery.

Group of Early Years Staff who have recently completed the Introduction to the High Scope Approach with their High Scope Trainer Nancy Flynn – McFadden and An Taoiseach Photo Ken Wright Photography 2011.

For more Information about Early Years Services or the HighScopeTraining Please contact: HSE Early Years Services, 2nd Floor Mill Lane, Bridge Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Tel 094 9034776

Pictured at the Official Opening of the HighScope Training Road Show by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. at Knockranny House Hotel, Westport. L-R; Jenny Bernard, HSE Early Years Services Manager, Siobhan Fitzpatrick CBE, HighScope Ireland and An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. Photo Ken Wright Photography 2011.