When an official report from the Department of Education and the Health Service Executive expresses concern about the quality of tuition provided to young children during the free preschool year, Ministers should pay close attention.

The scheme was introduced in 2010 because international research found that early education benefited children’s development, improved their economic prospects and increased social cohesion. Unfortunately, in many instances, this scheme has been operating as a form of childminding rather than as an educational service.

Its popularity is beyond question. Some 95 per cent of qualifying children participate. The uptake probably reflects the extraordinarily high cost of early childcare in this State. The free preschool year was designed to cater for children between the ages of three and five, when they are most receptive to stimulation and imaginative development. It offers three hours of care a day for 38 weeks and parents are charged for any additional hours or weeks provided. The shortcomings identified by the report, particularly in relation to the high percentage of staff that lack suitable qualifications, cannot be ignored.

Much work needs to be done to raise the quality of preschool and primary school tuition. Organisations directly involved in the preschool system are seeking additional funding for education and training and are concerned that an expansion of the scheme at this stage may damage outcomes.

Public demand for a second free preschool year will, however, be difficult to resist and both Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald have spoken in favour of such a development. The cost has been put at €200 million and there has been a suggestion it will take place on a phased basis. If that is to happen, much greater emphasis will have to be placed on educational aspects involving creative thinking and communication.