17/05/2012 -

Cathaoirleach Commends Childcare Committee

The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Michael Fleming has commended the members of the County Childcare Committee for the valuable work they carry out in our community. The Cathaoirleach was a guest at a recent function celebrating ten years of the committee’s operation in Sligo. ‘While the true value of the committee cannot be measured strictly in terms of finance or investment, the reality is that in excess of €16.5m has come in to County Sligo over the past decade to support the development of our childcare facilities. Investment at this level needs a focal point and strategic foundation, and the Childcare Committee fulfil this role with great expertise and professionalism.’

The Cathaoirleach continued ‘The Mission Statement of the Childcare Committee is very straightforward – to work collectively alongside other agencies to deliver early childhood care and education programmes which supports children and families. I believe it is important to have a local agency catering for local needs; The people on the ground are familiar with the issues, and local knowledge and expertise are critical in achieving the optimum outcome for children and their families.’

‘The Childcare Strategy highlights the pivotal role of parents as the primary educators who have a pre-eminent role in promoting the child’s well-being, learning and development. Given the importance of its work, and its impact on families all over our county, I would encourage people to reflect on the valuable contribution made by our Childcare Committee in the last ten years and to support it in its future endeavours.’