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11/09/2013
Hazzard Supports Flexibility In School Starting Age
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Chris Hazzard has said that Sinn Féin supports greater flexibility in the school starting age to allow some children to begin a year later.
Mr Hazzard said: "I welcome the fact that the Minister has already begun work to explore the possibility of greater flexibility in the school starting age.
"It is important that the needs of the children are put first and that we maximise the enjoyment of children at school. Many children born in the months of May or June could be up to nearly a year younger than their peers and that gap can be massive in those formative years.
"By introducing flexibility for these children we can ensure that they are beginning school on a better basis of being able to settle, mix and learn with the other children.
"This leads to better educational outcomes for all the children and that has to be the focus."
(CD/JP)
Mr Hazzard said: "I welcome the fact that the Minister has already begun work to explore the possibility of greater flexibility in the school starting age.
"It is important that the needs of the children are put first and that we maximise the enjoyment of children at school. Many children born in the months of May or June could be up to nearly a year younger than their peers and that gap can be massive in those formative years.
"By introducing flexibility for these children we can ensure that they are beginning school on a better basis of being able to settle, mix and learn with the other children.
"This leads to better educational outcomes for all the children and that has to be the focus."
(CD/JP)
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