To ask the Minister of Education for an update on his Department’s engagement with the Education Training Inspectorate to commission an evaluation of the Foundation Stage of the Curriculum, as recommended in A Fair Start.

My Department commissioned the Education and Training Inspectorate to conduct a review and provide policy advice on the current situation regarding play in foundation stage (FS) classes.

The policy advice was received recently and is currently being considered by departmental officials. This advice will help to determine the most appropriate support required for FS teachers and classroom assistants whilst enabling a greater focus on play-based pedagogy. It will also inform the work being taken forward associated with the refresh of the Northern Ireland Curriculum design principles.