The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) initiative has been praised for being important in encouraging children to take part in kids' activities.

Writing for the Irish Times, Sheila Wayman looked at the progress of the ECCE scheme, which was introduced in January 2010.

She stated that the programme, which sees kids between the age of three and four attend pre-school for three hours five days of the week at no cost, has been popular among parents in Ireland.

Ms Wayman noted that 94 per cent of childcare centres in the nation have taken up the ECCE initiative and they are paid 64.50 euros a week for each youngster by the State.

The writer went on to praise the programme so far, quoting Irene Gunning, the chief executive of the Irish Preschool Play Association, as saying it is an enriching experience for kids.

Ms Wayman concluded that the initiative helps stimulate children and integrate them more into the education system, so they are prepared for primary school and beyond.

Dr John Sharry recently told the newspaper that getting youngsters involved in activities such as sports or playing could also help cut down on their temper tantrums.

Written by Donal Walsh 

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