The Department of Education is seeking views on the draft Early Learning & Childcare Strategy.
The draft Early Learning & Childcare Strategy is the Executive’s draft plan for more affordable, accessible, high-quality early learning and childcare.
The strategy is a comprehensive and ambitious framework designed to transform early years provision across the region. It reflects a joined-up approach across departments and communities, recognising the critical role of early years in shaping lifelong outcomes.
The draft strategy builds on work already undertaken to enhance early learning and childcare provision in Northern Ireland and seeks to consolidate and expand on these achievements.
Read Department of Education press release.
View the Draft Early Learning & Childcare Strategy and Consultation information.
Consultation closes on 24 March 2026 at 11:59pm.
PlayBoard welcomes the publication of the draft Early Learning & Childcare Strategy. We are currently engaging with the Department of Education and are working to develop consultation events and provide guidance to school-age childcare groups on participating in the consultation process.