THE Isle of Man branch of the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) has said it is "dismayed" at the news that government pre-school facilities are to be shut.
It was announced today (Friday) that the Department of Education and Children's 11 pre-school facilities would be closed by August in a cost saving exercise.
A statement released by the NAHT reads: "NAHT wishes to express its concern at the extent of the proposed cuts to educational provision on the Island.
"Whilst we are aware of and understand the budgetary pressures facing the government the association is dismayed about the impact on certain groups.
"In particular NAHT deplores the impact on pre-school provision, the association regarding this as being somewhat more than an 'enhancement'.
"The particular focus of our concern is that the cuts are likely to affect the least advantaged to a greater extent and these are children for whom a good early start to education is most valuable.
"The association further believes that the proposed cuts to instrumental provision and the children's library will disproportionately affect those least able to compensate for cuts from their own resources.
"NAHT extends its sympathy to all affected by the proposed cuts and pledges to offer its full support to members and colleagues directly affected."
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