This is a focussed policy assessment of the Early Start pre-school programme. The Early Start Programme was established in 1994 in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage. The schools are located in Cork (6 schools), Dublin (26), Galway (1), Louth (2), Limerick (3), Waterford (1) and Wicklow (1). The programme is a one-year early intervention scheme to meet the needs of children of pre-school age who are at risk of not reaching their potential within the school system. The project involves an educational programme to enhance overall development, promote positive educational outcomes and offset the effects of social disadvantage. This policy assessment focusses on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Early Start programme. The analysis is structured around a set of key questions. The analysis of these questions in turn leads to a series of findings. These findings are then addressed through nine recommendations. The analysis in this assessment is informed by relevant research literature, policy documents, and by the results of a survey of school principals who have responsibility for Early Start units. The principals' survey was conducted in 2013 specifically for this policy review. 37 out of the total cohort of 40 principals responded to the survey. (author abstract)