Journal of Early Childhood Research

 

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Journal of Early Childhood Research, Vol. 6, No. 2, 119-144 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1476718X08088674

the school readiness of children living in a disadvantaged area in Ireland

Gemma Kiernan

Dublin City University, Ireland, gemma.kiernan{at}dcu.ie

Nick Axford

The Dartington Social Research Unit, UK

Michael Little

The Dartington Social Research Unit, UK

Cliona Murphy

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Sheila Greene

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Michael Gormley

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

This study examined the multiple factors that contribute to the school readiness and early school progress of children living in an urban disadvantaged area. Structured interviews were undertaken with parents of children who had recently started school to elicit information about those aspects of children's health, and their home and neighbourhood contexts that may influence their school readiness. Questionnaires were administered to these children's teachers to assess the children's cognitive and socio-emotional school readiness and to identify influences on children's subsequent progress in their first year at school. Findings indicated that while the majority of children were ready for school, over one-third evidenced difficulties in relation to their cognitive abilities and socio-emotional skills. Regression analyses indicated that factors predictive of school readiness included parental living situation, parenting skills and preschool attendance. The factors cited as important in influencing children's subsequent school progress included children's characteristics, their home context, school and neighbourhood environment. Implications for policy and practice, notably preventive intervention programme development are discussed.

Key Words: early childhood • educational disadvantage • school readiness • school progress • service design


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Home page
 Br J Soc WorkHome page
N. Axford
Conducting Needs Assessments in Children's Services
Br. J. Soc. Work, August 1, 2008; (2008) bcn103v2.
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