Foundation Stage

Age 4–6

Primary school Years 1 and 2 make up the Foundation Stage. Children build on the learning experiences that they bring to school from home and/or pre-school. They learn through well-planned, challenging play that develops their interests, curiosity and creativity.

Subsection

Curriculum at Foundation Stage

The Northern Ireland Curriculum aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. The learning opportunities provided should help young people to develop as individuals, contributors to society and contributors to the economy and environment.

The statutory curriculum in Foundation Stage is set out under the following Areas of Learning and Whole Curriculum Skills and Capabilities.

The Development Pathway

Latest News

Appointment of Chairperson and Members to the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments (CCEA)

Published: 31/01/2025, 11:30am

Education Minister Paul Givan has announced the appointment of Mrs Deborah O’Hare to the post of Chairperson of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).

New app launched to help students develop lifesaving skills in CPR and AED

Published: 13/11/2024, 10:15am

CCEA has created an engaging and interactive lifesaving application (app) in partnership with the Department of Education and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

It’s time to Talk Money

Published: 28/10/2024, 4:45pm

Talk Money Week, 4-8 November , is the national campaign that aims to get everyone talking money.