Draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy Consultation

On 25 June 2010 the former Education Minister Caitríona Ruane, launched the consultation process of the draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy. The consultation period was extended until 31 January 2011.

The purpose of the new Strategy is to set out a vision and plan for ensuring better outcomes for children by improving the provision and quality of services to the youngest children, their parents and families for the next 5 years.

The draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy document sets out a proposed vision, aims and objectives that will link the range of early years’ services for children (0-4) from Education and Health with the new Foundation Stage in the first years of Primary School. It will reflect the drive for cohesion in the policies and services affecting early years so that children and parents get the best outcomes possible.

Almost 2000 responses were received from a range of stakeholders. On 2 July 2012 the Minister launched the summary report of responses to the consultation on the Early Years (0-6) Strategy. The strategy will have a clear focus on education and learning to complete a suite of educational policies which will drive educational reform, raise standards overall and close the gap between the highest and lowest achievers.