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The recently published Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum (Crehan, 2025) has sparked timely conversations across the education sector. Led by Lucy Crehan, the review concluded that Northern Ireland’s curriculum, first introduced in 2007, no longer meets the needs of a changing society. It calls for a rebalancing of knowledge and skills, better structure…

World Book Day is an annual event that celebrates the joy of reading and the transformative power of books. It aims to ensure that every child has access to literature and to foster a lifelong love of reading. In the United Kingdom, World Book Day is observed on the first Thursday in March and provides…

Homework is a fundamental component of a child’s education, reinforcing classroom learning and fostering independent study skills (Cooper, Robinson & Patall, 2006). However, it can often be a source of stress for both children and parents. Implementing effective strategies can transform homework into a structured and productive experience. The following evidence-based approaches can help create…

Speech and language development is a critical aspect of early childhood growth influencing cognitive social and emotional development (Hoff 2013). Effective communication skills enable children to express their thoughts develop relationships and succeed academically (Bishop et al. 2017). Parents, educators and caregivers play a crucial role in fostering these skills from infancy. This article explores…

Language development is a critical aspect of a child’s overall growth, playing a vital role in their social, cognitive, and academic achievements. While every child develops at their own pace, certain milestones serve as a guide for understanding the typical progression of speech and language skills. It is important to recognise that variability is normal,…

Counting and the concept of number are fundamental aspects of early mathematics, but they are distinct and represent different stages of a child’s cognitive development. While counting is often one of the first mathematical skills children learn, understanding the concept of number requires deeper cognitive engagement and abstraction. What Is Counting? Counting is a procedural…

Starting school is a significant milestone in a child’s life. For parents and guardians, this period often raises questions about what it means for a child to be ‘school-ready’. Traditionally, school readiness was measured by a child’s ability to recognise letters and numbers, sit still, and follow instructions. However, contemporary research and educational perspectives have…

Sensory play is a cornerstone of childhood development, encompassing activities that stimulate one or more of the senses—touch, smell, taste, sight, sound, and, in some cases, proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular (balance) senses. This type of play is not merely recreational; it forms a critical foundation for cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. Parents, educators and…