National Play Plan initiative launched in Tallaght pre-school
By Mark Keane
THE pre-school in the Dominic’s Community Centre in Tallaght today received the first ‘Inclusive Play’ packs in the country as part of the National Play Plan initiative.
The sensory toy packs are designed to support pre-schools in becoming more accessible to all children through inclusive play - with puppets, sensory balls, ribbons and special colouring-in projects among the fun items in the packs.
Minister Zappone at the launch of the National Play Plan initiative
The National Play Plan initiative cost in the region of €3million and alongside 6,000 packs going to pre-schools nationwide, the programme includes inclusive play training for staff.
After visiting Dominic's pre-school in Tallaght, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone TD said: "We are building an affordable accessible childcare scheme which will last for generations.
“In order to achieve our goal we must ensure that every child can enjoy and learn from every aspect of pre-school.”
She added: “At the Dominic’s Community Centre I am thrilled to see the excitement the arrival of the first of the special packs has caused.
“Puppets, sensory balls, ribbons and special colouring-in projects to name just a few of the toys have clearly struck a chord with children.
“The packs and the very important special training developed to be included as part of this project will make a huge difference in ensuring our pre-schools are truly accessible to all.”
For further information about the full range of supports provided, visit the Access and Inclusion Model website.
