To ask the Minister of Education whether the draft Northern Ireland Curriculum Framework 2028 currently proposes including animal welfare education.

The draft Northern Ireland Curriculum 2028 does not currently propose the inclusion of a discrete curriculum requirement relating to animal welfare education or responsible pet ownership. The position is similar to the current statutory curriculum, which does not contain specific content requirements on animal welfare.

The draft Curriculum provides a common minimum entitlement for all children and young people by defining the essential knowledge, concepts and vocabulary that pupils should learn. It is intended to promote equity, coherence and progression across the education system while allowing schools flexibility in how that learning is delivered. The curriculum cannot accommodate every worthwhile issue or area of public interest and therefore requires careful prioritisation of content.

While the draft curriculum does not include specific content relating to animal welfare or responsible pet ownership, pupils will encounter related themes through learning in areas such as science, geography and Personal, Social, Citizenship and Careers (PSCC).

Schools remain free to provide wider learning experiences, including on issues such as animal welfare, where they consider these relevant to their pupils and communities.