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Press Releases

Fathers Story Time

Published on: 25/06/2010

Naiscoil na Speirini was one of many pre-school and playgroup members from Early Years - the organisation for young children, to took part in Fathers' Story Week during the run up to Father's Day last Sunday.

Early Years encouraged all its members to take part in the initiative which was the brainchild of the Fatherhood Institute, a leading family think-tank. It is hoped these events would encourage greater involvement from dads and other father figures in the care and education of their children.

Padragin Rafeartaigh, Group Leader of Naiscoil na Speirini said:

"We had two of our local dads come and read to all the children in the group. It's fantastic that they got involved and it was great to watch both their confidence grow and the children responding so well to that. We are an Irish medium pre-school but we would encourage all of our dads to take the time to read and get involved with their children in any medium."

Debra Doherty, Early Years Membership Officer commented:

"We encouraged all our members to take part in the initiative, and support Fathers' Story Week's ambition to include 'father-figures' - including grandfathers, uncles, step-dads and brothers in childrens' lives. The aim was to increase the confidence of 'fathers' to engage in the care, development and learning of their children."

The initiative comes as a recent ICM poll for the Fatherhood Institute reveals that 86% of parents think reading with their children and helping with their homework should be shared equally - but only 59% manage it in practice. Early Years is a membership organisation that supports and promotes early childcare and education, providing information and training for parents, childcare providers, employers and local authorities. Early Years membership is open to all child care settings, individuals and organisations who subscribe to its vision and values.

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