AQW 48460/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 11/06/2026
Answered On Date: 18/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on (i) the action contained within his TransformED Delivery plan to agree compulsory content and expand the directed learning element of the induction programme to ensure our early career teachers receive comprehensive and structured support; and (ii) any cost incurred as a result of this action.

Answer:

An expanded directed learning element of the Teacher Induction Programme was delivered during the 2025–26, academic year. This included a focus on literacy, numeracy, science of learning, Special Educational Needs and empowering improvement with the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI). A further expansion is planned for 2026/27, following which the compulsory content will be agreed.

To date, £497k has been invested in delivering this commitment.