DGIV/EDU/ROM(2007)4 UNESCO and Council of Europe “Towards quality education for Roma children: transition from early childhood to primary education” Audit of Pre-school provision Briefing paper for the Experts’ UNESCO/Council of Europe Meeting th thUNESCO, Paris 10 - 11 September 2007 1 CONTENTS: BACKGROUND AND PHILOSOPHICAL POSITION THE TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS SECTION 1 EARLY CHILDHOOD EUCATION - BASELINE CONTEXT 1990-2005 SECTION 2 EARLY CHILDHOOD EUCATION - AUDIT CONTEXT 2005-2007 SECTION 3 ANALYSIS OF COUNCIL OF EUROPE MEMBER STATE QUESTIONNAIR RETURNS - AUGUST 2007 “But what ever policy responses are made to the needs of minorities, it is essential that care is taken in making provision in terms of what the recipients want educationally for their children. Parents should be involved at all levels of decision making and, if possible, also in the teaching. In this way, it is ensured that they are taking part in shaping their own destiny in harmony and co-operation with the rest of society……… In some areas (in UK), mobile pre-school play-groups have been developed as well as schemes for adult literacy………. The Roma culture is rich in tradition and this can make a positive contribution to 1the life and work of any school.” 1 “Gypsies: A ...