A study has recommended additional supports for children in disadvantaged areas.

The finding is contained in an evaluation of an "Early Years Service".

It is aimed to support families in Tallaght-West whose children may have faced barriers to education and well being.

The pre-school service was coordinated by the Childhood Development Initiative.

The importance of parent support and education has also been highlighted in the findings.

CEO Marian Quinn said informal support for parents is hugely beneficial and that the children's home learning environment is vitally important.

var myCirclePreview = new CirclePlayer('#0', { mp3: 'http://www.radiocms.net/content/hose/media/000112/149581_0954805.mp3' }, { cssSelectorAncestor: '#cp_container_0', swfPath: '/assets/includes/js/jPlayer', supplied: 'mp3', wmode: 'window' });