AQW 52985/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 24/09/2026
Answered On Date: 06/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether any play-based curriculum experts were involved in the development of the new draft foundation stage curriculum.

Answer:

There were 23 primary school practitioners involved in the Subject Working Groups, 15 of which had experience of working in the Foundation Stage. The application process for the SWGs did not require applicants to specifically detail expertise in the “play-based curriculum”.

The curriculum, which sets out what children should learn, will be supported by guidance on effective pedagogy which will be reflective to stage and subject. This guidance will continue to recognise the importance of play in Foundation Stage as a developmentally appropriate approach to learning, enriched by purposeful teaching and skilled adult interaction.