To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) when he plans to roll-out the regional programme for 2-3 year olds; and (ii) the eligibility criteria to access the programme.

As part of my commitment to early intervention, subject to receipt of funding, I will introduce a bespoke regional programme for children age 2 to 3 years olds who may have special educational needs (SEN) or emerging needs.

This programme will be co-designed with Health officials, including the identification of appropriate eligibility criteria for the programme. Early discussions have taken place through the newly established Health/Education Early Intervention Task and Finish Group which has been set up to develop detailed solutions particularly in the area of Early Years.

Timing of roll-out will be subject to a decision on my department’s bid to the NICS Transformation Fund, which is awaited.