Education Minister launches a new literacy framework for Northern Ireland

Education Minister, Paul Givan, has launched a new literacy framework for primary schools aimed at strengthening literacy practice across Northern Ireland.

Strong Foundations: A Literacy Framework for Primary Schools was unveiled at today's TransformED Literacy Symposium, where the Minister addressed school leaders, teachers, researchers and policymakers.

Paul Givan said: “Literacy is at the heart of education and it must be our collective priority.  In the 21st century, literacy remains the skill that unlocks opportunity and success. One of our greatest responsibilities is to ensure that every child can read and read well. That is why literacy reform is a central pillar of the TransformED Strategy.”

“There are global challenges in literacy, particularly a decline in adult literacy levels and reading for pleasure. Northern Ireland performs strongly in reading in international studies but there remain persistent attainment gaps linked to socio-economic disadvantage and gender that we must address.

“The framework which I am launching today sets out clear principles, practical strategies and evidence-based approaches to ensure every child develops strong literacy foundations.”

Alongside the Framework, key guidelines to underpin high‑quality provision have been published. The Guidelines to Support a Coherent Approach to Literacy Development provide schools with model to support them in developing, reviewing and planning their whole‑school approach to literacy. 

Paul Givan concluded: “The new Literacy Framework together with the supporting Guidelines will provide clear and practical direction for strengthening teaching and learning in oracy, reading and writing and ensure all pupils develop strong literacy foundations by the end of primary education.”

The Literacy Symposium for schools brought together more than 500 educationalists from across Northern Ireland came. The event focused on the science of reading and the importance of evidence‑based practice, providing a platform to share knowledge, strengthen practice and drive improvement in classrooms.

Contributors from Northern Ireland and beyond included Dr Jennifer Buckingham OAM, Dr Jennifer O'Sullivan, Professor Jessie Ricketts, Maeve Savage, Ryon Leyshon, Dr Geraldine Magennis Clarke and Emma Wills.  

The Literacy Framework for Primary Schools and Guidelines to Support a Coherent Approach to Literacy Development are available on the Department's website and can be accessed at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/literacy-guidance.