Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
303. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a report on her recent international trip to Scandinavia to explore a working childcare model and potential application of same here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46097/12]
View answerI recently visited Sweden to study and discuss a number of issues of interest to me. I am particularly interested in the childcare system that Sweden has put in place and I very much wanted the opportunity to examine the system to establish what Ireland could learn from that model.
The school I visited is a Reggio Emilia-inspired pre-school on the suburbs of Stockholm. The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy that is focused on pre-school and primary education. The approach is based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment that is centred on the interests of the children and structured around a self-guided curriculum. The natural development of children is at the centre of its philosophy. Parental involvement is also central to the philosophy.
The school is very much a central part of the community and allows parents to avail of work and/or educational opportunities while their children are being cared for. There are many aspects of the Swedish childcare system that are very impressive. However, a more detailed examination of this and other international systems would be required to establish the most appropriate model for Ireland.
