Castlebar - County Mayo - HSE Early Childcare Services High/Scope Initiative.

More than 100 Early Years Practitioners, trainers and development workers from all over the county gathered at the recent launch of the HSE Early Childcare Services High/Scope Initiative.

Pictured at the launch of the High Scope initiative held in Westport ,a group of practitioners who were presented with certificates in High Scope training, front l-r; Bernadette Needham Louisburg Childcare Ltd, Teresa O’Malley Louisburg Childcare Ltd, Elaine Sterrit Trainer High Scope Ireland, Laura Clarke, Childcare practitioner Ballina. Back L-R; Julie Connolly, McConville Park Pre school Westport, Michelle Walsh St. Tiernans Community Playschool Crossmolina, Jenny Bernard, HSE, Kay O’Malley, Ballinrobe Community Playgroup, Breda Melvin, The Haven Community Playschool Ballina. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2009.

Thirty eight practitioners had successfully completed the training programme, implementing the High/Scope Approach, and were presented with their certificates by Elaine Sterrit and Bridgeen Irwin from High/Scope Ireland. A further 61 early years practitioners are currently being trained in High/Scope by the HSE Early Years Development Workers.

Pictured at the launch of the High Scope initiative held in Westport, l-r; Elaine Sterrit, High Scope Ireland, Jenny Bernard, HSE, Nancy Flynn-McFadden HSE, Laura McNally, HSE, Paul Murphy, HSE, Joanne Docherty, HSE, Trina McGinty, HSE, Bridgeen Irwin, High Scope Ireland. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2009.

The launch was hosted by the Woodland Park Pre-School who operate their High/Scope setting in the former Christian Brothers National School in Westport and the McConville Park Community Playgroup who provided the venue for the speeches and presentation of certificates.

Pictured at the launch of the High Scope initiative held in Westport, a group of practitioners who were presented with certificates in High Scope training, l-r; Laura Clarke, Ardnaree Community Playgroup Ballina, Tina Boland, Pamela Greavy and Mary Gaughan. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2009.

Speaking at the launch Jenny Bernard HSE Early Childcare Services Manager confirmed the importance of an approach like High/Scope in ensuring high quality experiences for young children. The High/Scope approach is rooted in children’s rights and needs and provides an early education opportunity with proven long term benefits for the children who attend.

Pictured at the launch of the High Scope initiative held in Westport, a group of practitioners who were presented with certificates in High Scope training front l-r; Ann Lyons, Ballyhaunis Preschool for Travellers, Marian Robinson, Tots to Teens Tooreen, Bridgeen Irwin, High Scope Endorsed Trainer, Margaret Cunnane, Tots to Teens Tooreen. Back L-R: Mary O’Hara Gavin, HSE, Kate Keane, Robeen Community Group, Bernadette Collins, Ballinrobe Community Playgroup, Jenny Bernard, HSE, Mary Casey, Killawalla Community Playgroup, Martina Kilcoyne, Louisburg Childcare Ltd. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2009.