A gov.ie resource to support young children and their parents/ guardians plan for returning to Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings or transitioning to pre-school or primary school for the first time, has been launched.
As Early Learning and Care settings plan to re-open from 29 June, the Let’s Get Ready initiative provides guidance for children and parents preparing to return these settings.
There is a particular focus on new public health requirements introduced in response to Covid-19.
The Let’s Get Ready website (http://www.gov.ie/letsgetready/) also 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 these coming months and tips on what children and parents can expect on their transition or return to pre-school and primary school.
A transitions pack for children starting 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 and Home School Liaison Officers.
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 teacher and the school.
The Let’s Get Ready campaign was developed by the Departments of Children and Youth Affairs and Education and Skills with support from a range of agencies and organisations.
Important resource
Launching the initiative, Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD said: “Starting in primary school is a huge milestone for children and their families. We are working hard with all the education partners on planning for school re-opening, to support children’ first days, weeks and months of their primary school life.
“Let’s Get Ready will be an important way to communicate with parents as we provide further information and support about school re-opening plans over the coming months.”
