Education's welcome compromise

The Assembly's support by 40 to 5 for an alternative funding proposal between the island's previously at-odds Education and Treasury departments, will see 15 hours per week for the equivalent of 38 weeks a year offered to some 3 and 4-year-olds from January 2017.

It represents a climbdown from Education's original bid for universal pre-school provision, as entitlement will be restricted based on joint income. It will also come in a term later than hoped.

However, as the minister pointed out yesterday, the most important thing about the decision – to be funded by a £2.40 per week reduction in family allowance – was getting the principle through.

This it has done, representing a success for our community that has been 20 years in the waiting.

Precise details of eligibility will now be thrashed out in the weeks and months ahead as the new Committee for Education, Sport and Culture will be required to keep its spending within budget.

In the meantime experts in learning are heralding the move as ushering in 'a lifetime of benefit'.

It will offer children the chance to make the most of their true potential and opportunities, regardless of family background.

With evidence showing a lack of pre-school education can affect a child's readiness to learn, as an island keen to make the most of its younger generations it is right we strive to see as many pupils hit the ground running as early as possible.

Not having to play catch-up throughout early schooling years will surely benefit not only their learning but that of others within their class.

Similarly, gains will be there for youngsters who have had access to some good pre-school education but not enough.

Long-term then the economic advantages are obvious.

The only possible cloud ahead is ensuring this funding legacy remains positive too – and not more potential ammunition for a goods and services tax.