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ETI publishes an evaluation of Sure Start’s Developmental Programme for 2 to 3-year-old children and the effectiveness of its play-based activities in achieving positive outcomes for the children’s development

Date published: 04 December 2025

Sure Start is one of DE’s targeted early intervention initiatives which supports families and children under the age of four. It aims to give every child the best possible start in life by supporting families and children from the early stages of development, particularly those families in disadvantaged areas.

Report front cover - An evaluation of Sure Start’s Developmental Programme for 2 to 3-year-old children and the effectiveness of its play-based activities in achieving positive outcomes for the children’s development..

A key aspect of the programme is to provide integrated services that include early education, child development and health and family support to improve outcomes for the children and families. The Department of Education commissioned the Education and Training Inspectorate to evaluate aspects of Sure Start provision across projects in Northern Ireland.

This fifth evaluation focuses on the Developmental Programme for 2 to 3-year-old children and the quality of play-based activities within Sure Start in achieving positive outcomes for children’s learning and development, including meeting the needs of those children with diverse and additional needs.  It evaluates how well these play-based activities support the children’s learning and development.

An evaluation of Sure Start’s Developmental Programme for 2 to 3-year-old children and the effectiveness of its play-based activities in achieving positive outcomes for the children’s development

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