Council to develop model for 0-3 year olds Gaelic Medium provision

Highland Councillors welcomed proposals today to create a sustainable model of Gaelic Medium provision for 0-3 year olds in the Highlands.

At a meeting of the Council’s Gaelic Committee members agreed that a full report on sustainable Gaelic Medium provision be worked up following more detailed discussions with Gaelic Medium service providers.

Sam Brogan, Highland Council’s Early Years Resource Manager informed members that a mapping exercise of current 0-3 year olds Gaelic Medium provision had been carried out during which visits were made to playgroups throughout the Highlands.

Results of the mapping exercise showed that TAIC has a network of 31 parent and toddler and croileagan groups throughout the Highlands serving some 245 children.

Sam Brogan explained: “Initial findings in the review indicate that it is crucial to have Gaelic speakers in parent and toddler groups supporting Gaelic language to lead on the use of Gaelic songs, rhymes, stories and Gaelic language acquisition.”

Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee said: “Once more detailed discussion with service providers and partner agencies has taken place we look forward to a further report coming back to the Gaelic Committee on a sustainable model of Gaelic Medium provision for the 0-3 year old age group. It is vital that we find a way to continue to develop Gaelic Medium Education in the pre-school sector which is the foundation for future Gaelic learning in primary and secondary education.”

• 0-3 Childcare Provision Review Outcomes Report - Gaelic Committee