Perspectives on school readiness in rural Ireland: the experiences of parents and children

Abstract

In contrast to a burgeoning literature examining the experience and management of children's start to school, much less is known about school readiness in rural Ireland. On this premise, a questionnaire survey was designed to explore the views of parents (n=145) on their child's preschool experiences and readiness for school. Due to a paucity of preschool provision in rural areas, attendance was mainly on a sessional basis with a small number having full weekly attendance and others no preschool experience. In consequence, a considerable number of children start school at four years of age, two years below the compulsory starting age. On reflection, almost one-third of the parents in this study believe their child was too young for school. An important feature of this research is the inclusion of young children (n=22) between four and six years of age in their first year at school. Although the children anticipated differences between preschool and school, the majority found it difficult to adapt to having fewer toys and play opportunities and to the formal curriculum which characterises teaching and learning in infant classes. Zeitgeist and global and national economic factors inform the interpretation of the results.

Keywords:

• school readiness
• Ireland
• bio-ecological and social constructivism
• economic factors

Notes

1. Naíonraí na Gaeltachta or Naíonraí, as it is called in Irish, is an all-Ireland voluntary organisation which supports the promotion of education and care services in Irish for children between three and four years of age.