Community, voluntary and youth organisations should be supported to develop greater and more diverse leisure and cultural facilities for children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Graffiti, litter and vandalism all tend to discourage children’s physical activities and their use of playgrounds and parks, so these latter services should be adequately resourced.
- Consider offering after-school activities on a subsidised basis to allow children from all social groups to participate.
- All children should have access to up-to-date computer technology in the classroom, including internet access.
- Teachers should receive the ongoing training necessary to ensure that their students benefit fully from such technologies.
- Schools should be encouraged to make greater use of their facilities outside school hours by offering a range of after-school programmes in areas such as drama, arts and crafts, organised sports, debating clubs and homework clubs.
- The role of parents in promoting
their children’s use of technology for learning purposes should be fostered.
- School principals and teachers should encourage children’s learning in the broadest sense, giving them access to activities that move beyond a narrow academic focus.
Source:
Growing Up in Ireland – Influences on Nine-Year-Olds’ Learning: Home, School and Community.
The report is available at