A parenting initiative in north-east Dublin has been linked to significant improvements in children’s health, development, and educational aspirations, according to new research.
The programme, known as Preparing For Life, was launched by Northside Partnership, a local development group based in Darndale. A new study shows that children who took part in the programme are more likely to aim for higher education and experience better mental and physical health outcomes than their peers.
The long-term evaluation, carried out by researchers at University College Dublin (UCD), focused on children who joined the programme during their mother’s pregnancy and continued through early childhood. These children are now 14 years old.
Findings from the study reveal that participants were 29% more likely to express a desire to pursue third-level education compared to children who were not in the programme. Researchers also observed that the participants showed stronger problem-solving skills, had fewer attention difficulties, and reported better relationships at home along with improved physical well-being.
The Preparing For Life initiative includes home visits every two weeks and offers parenting support in areas such as antenatal care, breastfeeding, and school readiness. It was first introduced in Darndale in 2007.
Professor Orla Doyle from UCD’s Geary Institute, who led the research, said the results highlight the long-term value of early intervention.
“The fact that cognitive gains seen at school entry have persisted into adolescence, nearly 10 years after programme participation ended, suggests it may have caused a fundamental shift in children’s developmental trajectories,” she said.
The study also found consistent improvements in verbal, non-verbal, and spatial abilities. Children showed stronger working memory and fewer attention problems, which are essential for staying engaged in school.
Programme manager Niall Sexton from Northside Partnership welcomed the findings. He said, “This evaluation confirms what families have told us for years—that the impact is long-lasting and meaningful. It’s about giving families a fairer start, recognising the strengths they already have, and working with them to help children reach their full potential.”
The programme is supported by Tusla, Ireland’s Child and Family Agency, and has now expanded beyond Darndale. It is available in 10 other communities across the country, including Bagenalstown (Co Carlow), Ballaghaderreen (Co Roscommon), Ballinasloe (Co Galway), Bray (Co Wicklow), Castlebar (Co Mayo), Kilrush (Co Clare), Newbridge (Co Kildare), and three areas in Dublin—Tallaght, Balbriggan, and Finglas.
The study has been described as one of the longest-running randomised control trials of its kind in Europe, highlighting the power of early, consistent support in shaping children’s lives.
