for his vow to increase the number of pre-schools.

The accolade came from his opposite Progressive Labour Party number, Ms Jennifer Smith.

But she said Dr. Terceira was, in fact, adopting a key plank in the PLP's education platform.

"It has long been our contention that education reform must begin with the foundation, and early childhood is the foundation,'' said Ms Smith.

"If the Minister continues, as he has begun, there might yet be a silver lining in this dark cloud after all.'' She continued: "We have always recommended the need for more pre-schools. It is absolutely essential if we are to give our children a head-start in life.

"We must have enough pre-schools for every four-year-old Bermudian child.'' Dr. Terceira announced his plan to boost pre-school learning the day after replacing the Hon. Gerald Simons as Education Minister.

He said his aim was for every parish to have a pre-school.

Dr. Terceira also pledged to boost technical training, and try to extend after-school care.

Ms Smith said she has been "pleasantly surprised'' by Dr. Terceira's first statement.

He had wasted no time in adopting the PLP's main Education plank, she claimed.

Ms Smith said the current pre-school system was unfair.

"On the one hand the Education Act says you don't have to start school until age five.

"Yet Government policy is if you go to school at age five and you have not learned to do certain things which children are exposed to in pre-schools then you are considered to be in need of remedial education.'' The United Bermuda Party policy was unfair to children who do not get into a Government pre-school, and whose parents cannot afford a private one.

"Thus that child commences school aged five already behind those who had a head-start,'' said Ms Smith.

She added the PLP always promoted a two-pronged approach -- a lowering of the school age to four years, and an increase in the number of pre-schools.

"This would allow every child to be accommodated. We cannot continue to have a system of education which prejudices children at the outset.

"Education is not a privilege only for those who can afford to pay. We must offer an education policy of inclusion -- not one of exclusion.''