Ireland’s pre-school education system is taking centre stage in a new national spotlight, with gov.ie highlighting how early learning is changing children’s lives across the country. The new documentary, Shaping the Future – How Pre-School Education is Transforming Lives in Ireland, showcases the impact of the State-funded Early Childhood Care and Education programme and why it matters for families, educators and the wider community.
Published by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the announcement underlines the scale of the ECCE pre-school scheme since its launch in 2010. More than one million children have now benefited from access to structured, high-quality early learning, making it one of the most significant public supports in Irish education and child development.
gov.ie spotlights the power of pre-school education in Ireland
The documentary offers a close-up look at how pre-school education supports children’s learning, emotional development, social confidence and readiness for primary school. It also highlights the partnership between families and educators, showing how trusted relationships can help children thrive from an early age.
Featured voices and real-world experiences from settings across Ireland demonstrate several key themes:
- Children building confidence, friendships and communication skills
- Early years educators creating warm, inclusive learning environments
- Families working closely with services to support child development
- Inclusive participation for children with disabilities
- The growing professionalism of the early years workforce
The publication on gov.ie also points to the value of long-term public investment in children through areas connected to Education, Health, Social Protection and Children/Disability/Equality.
A major boost for families and educators
One of the strongest messages in Shaping the Future is that pre-school education is not only about childcare. It is about laying foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing. The Department notes that the programme has reached hundreds of thousands of families while also supporting thousands of early years educators across the State.
That wider public-service link matters. Agencies and institutions such as the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tusla and the Citizens Information Board all form part of the broader ecosystem families rely on, while government departments across Education, Health and Public Expenditure shape the funding and policy framework behind these services.
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Where and when to watch Shaping the Future
The documentary is scheduled to air on Virgin Media Television on Saturday, 29 August 2026 at 12:00 PM. It presents stories from four participating pre-school settings that reflect the diversity of early years provision in Ireland:
- Fairy Folk Montessori, Kilkenny
- Kilcullen Community Childcare & Education Centre, Co. Kildare
- The Willows Nursery, Abbeyknockmoy, Galway
- Wigwams, The Curragh, Co. Kildare
Children from Nurture Childcare at Tallaght Hospital also feature, broadening the picture of how pre-school education is delivered in different contexts.
Professionalism at the heart of the sector
The documentary also celebrates the people working in early learning. According to the published details, 39% of early years educators in pre-school services are qualified to degree level in Early Childhood Care and Education. That statistic reflects a sector that continues to strengthen its standards, training and professional identity.
This focus aligns with wider national priorities often seen across gov.ie, the Department of the Taoiseach and public bodies concerned with workforce development, equality and social inclusion. For parents, it is a reminder that quality early education is shaped by highly skilled professionals, not just facilities or funding alone.
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Why this gov.ie release matters
This gov.ie release matters because it turns policy into something visible and personal. Through real stories from children, parents and educators, Shaping the Future shows how pre-school education can influence confidence, inclusion and school readiness in practical ways. For policymakers, service providers and families alike, the message is clear: early learning is not a side issue but a national priority with lasting benefits.
As gov.ie continues to highlight the documentary, the takeaway is simple. High-quality pre-school education is transforming lives in Ireland, and the people delivering it deserve recognition for helping give children the best possible start. Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
