Jill Cochrane guides the discussion surrounding preschool education while taking questions from a live studio audience.

Some people argue that children are better off at home until they go into full time education, however, it is now widely recognised how important early years are for the development of play and social behaviour. The viewers are posed the following question, "if given the choice would you send your child to a play group or nursery school?".

Mary Clarkes-Glass (Chairman and Chief Executive Equal Opportunities Commission N.I.), Monica McWilliams (University of Ulster), John Cushnahan (Former Chairman N.I. Assembly Education Committee) and Terry Bamford (Director S.H.S.S.B) make up the panel and respond to these questions, whilst putting across their own opinions.

Topics discussed include; whether or not a child is physically ready for such a structured day at three years old, the concept of the working mother disadvantaging her child and the state's lack of provision in this area.

A UTV production

Presented by Jill Cochrane  

Senior Education Officer: George Fleeter

Academic Advisor: Dorothy Whittington

Assistant Advisor: Rosmary Donnelly

Director: Robert Lamrock

Producer: John Scobbie

• NI Direct - PRONI