Ulster Unionist Vice-Chair of the Education Committee,Danny Kinahan has said that Education Minister John O’Dowd must address theflaws in the current draft Early Years Strategy.
Danny said:
“The statement made by John O’Dowd to the House today on the consultation responses to the draft Early Years strategy could be described,at best, as vacuous.’
“The Early Years Strategy is widely considered tohave the potential to directly impact on the educational outcomes for children. But the draft strategy isstill clearly flawed and I am concerned that even though these flaws have been highlighted by other parties, the Minister has still not moved to address them.’
“I am deeply disappointed that are still no signs inthe draft Early Years Strategy of cross party co-operation. We cannot afford to have another Strategy that is produced simply to cover the Department’s back; we need to ensure that it is fit for purpose given its importance to our children’s future.’