To ask the Minister of Education whether he is considering the development of a universal 0-to-3 learning framework.

Mr Givan (The Minister of Education)

I confirm that the introduction of an early learning framework covering that age group is being considered as part of the work to develop a draft early learning and childcare strategy. Such a framework will take account of relevant existing guidance in programmes such as Sure Start and the preschool education programme (PSEP), the Department of Health’s minimum standards and international best practice. The developmental programme for two- to three-year-olds in the Sure Start programme already has a framework in place to promote effective learning through ongoing evaluation of the holistic progress of children's physical, personal, social and emotional development, as well as their language, communication and thinking skills. All preschool settings participating in the preschool education programme are required to adhere to the curricular guidance for preschool education. That sets out six areas of learning that children at that age and stage of development should experience through play and other relevant activities. Staff use the framework to plan, review and develop their provision, which is tailored to meet each child's needs. The preschool guidance also links to the foundation stage curriculum, ensuring that children experience a high-quality, joined-up educational experience. While it is widely accepted that early years provision in Northern Ireland is of a high standard, members of my Department's stakeholder engagement forum, which was set up to inform the development of the early learning and childcare strategy, have indicated that the introduction of an early years developmental framework has the potential to provide a useful benchmark for all providers and ensure greater consistency. They have confirmed their willingness to be involved in further scoping and to assist in the co-design of such a framework, if required. Their involvement is essential to ensuring that the consideration of options is evidence-informed and that any recommendations are deliverable. I plan to bring forward a draft strategy for Executive consideration and public consultation by autumn 2025.

Mr Givan

I know that the Member has championed the issues for a period of time, and I thank her for that. It will be my Department that brings forward the work on the strategy. That is the detailed work that we are engaging on. We will pull together the various strands to allow us to take that forward. I will lead on it, but, obviously, it is an Executive priority and a flagship project. The funding for it does not sit in my Department, but I will draw that down, subject to bringing forward all the appropriate plans. That is why it is important that all parties support that important work and make sure that the resource is there for what will be, when I bring it forward, an ambitious, comprehensive strategy.

Mr McNulty

Minister, to break the cycles of poverty, inequality and poor educational outcomes, research and evidence from education, health, justice and economic experts all point to the importance of comprehensive early intervention. Does the Minister therefore accept that it is imperative that his Department initiates within the time frame of this Executive and as a matter of priority the development of a universal 0-3 learning framework that includes an accommodation of and a strategy on month of birth and its impact on associated developmental timelines?

Mr Givan

The Executive have moved at pace to take forward the initial schemes that we have stood up. That is why priority was given to the childcare subsidy scheme, which is delivering £1 million every month, drawing down the tax-free allowance that we get from Westminster as the component part on which we built the scheme. We have also stepped in to provide support for the very early years to which the Member referred through organisations such as Sure Start that do incredible work. We have provided a significant uplift, stabilised the services and expanded into areas that were temporary and made them permanent. That is a demonstration of the Executive making sure that we stand by our young people, but I want to do a lot more than we have been able to do. That is why the comprehensive strategy, including the areas that the Member touched on, will be drawn out as we develop it. We will then need to put in the resource to make a difference in those young people's lives.

Ms Sugden

Minister, do you have any plans to review the criteria for Sure Start provision? Typically, it is now used via postcode. In my constituency, a couple of million-pound houses qualify for Sure Start provision, yet pockets of people who may receive benefits do not.

Mr Givan

I would love to see that scheme developed in more places than it is. The identification of need is based on the multiple index of deprivation, so there is a sound evidence base for where the schemes should operate. Would I like them to be extended into other parts of Northern Ireland? Yes, I would, but, like everything, that is subject to the resources that we have to back it up.