From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
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Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has today announced Ireland’s participation in the OECD Starting Strong Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS Starting Strong), in partnership with the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
TALIS Starting Strong is the first international survey of the early learning and care workforce. It provides early years educators and managers with an opportunity to share insights on their professional development; pedagogical beliefs and practices; and working conditions, as well as various other leadership, management and workplace issues.
The survey seeks to identify strengths of, and improvement opportunities for, early learning and care environments across different countries.
Ireland, along with 16 other countries, is taking part in the survey. The findings will help inform future policy development in Ireland, building on Nurturing Skills, the Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare 2022-2028.
The TALIS Starting Strong field trial will commence in February, with main fieldwork taking place in early 2024.
Commenting, Minister O’Gorman said:
“Nurturing Skills commits to Ireland’s participation in the next round of TALIS Starting Strong.
"I am delighted to announce the upcoming field trial for this survey and the appointment of the Central Statistics Office to the role of National Project Office.
"TALIS Starting Strong is the first survey of its kind in Ireland and will provide a solid evidence base to inform and monitor the ongoing implementation of Nurturing Skills.
"Participation and engagement by settings and staff is strongly encouraged."
Padraig Dalton, Director General, CSO said:
“As Ireland’s national statistical office, the CSO’s role is to support research and public policy by producing impartial and robust data reflecting Ireland’s economy, people and society. The CSO is delighted to take on the role of National Project Office for TALIS Starting Strong. This survey is in keeping with our mandate to co-ordinate with other public bodies to produce official statistics.”