Press release Minister O’Gorman and Minister Foley announce information and resources for children preparing for pre-school and junior infants-Published on 14 May 2021

Minister for Children Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, T.D., and Minister for Education, Norma Foley, T.D., today launched an initiative for children and families – Let’s Get Ready – a gov.ie resource to support young children and their parents/guardians plan for the transition to pre-school or primary school later this year.

The Let’s Get Ready website focuses on children preparing to attend pre-school or primary school for the first time from this September. Let’s Get Ready includes guidance for parents on practical steps they can take to support their children over the coming months and tips on what children and parents can expect on their transition to pre-school and primary school.

A transitions pack for children starting pre-school and primary school is soon to be distributed through a range of channels, including through City and County Childcare Committees (CCCS), early learning and care settings, Home School Liaison Officers and is also available on gov.ie/letsgetready. This pack includes a tip sheet for parents, a transitions card for children and a ‘Mo Scéal’ transitions template developed by the National Council of Curriculum and Assessment for completion by parents. This templates enables parents to share key information with their child’s pre-school practitioner or teacher.

Speaking today, Minister O’Gorman said:

“Across the country, up to 120,000 children are making preparations to attend pre-school or primary school for the first time later this year.

“Transitions can be an emotional time for children and families under normal circumstances, let alone during Covid-19, and so need to be supported.

“Let’s Get Ready is a government-led initiative that provides parents and guardians with useful tips and suggests fun play-based activities parents can do to support their children with these important transitions over the summer months.”

Minister Foley said:

“Starting in primary school is a hugely exciting milestone for children and their families.

“We are working closely with our schools to support children as they begin their time in primary school.

“Let’s Get Ready provides useful information, ideas and resources to help families as they prepare for these changes over the coming months.”

 

The website gov.ie/letsgetready will be updated regularly over the coming months with new material added as it becomes available.

The Let’s Get Ready pack is available on gov.ie/letsgetready.