1.2 Developments in early learning and care

1.2 Developments in early learning and care

Policy responsibility for the early learning and care (ELC) sector lies with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). As the Department of Education Inspectorate, we have a quality assurance role in relation to the educational aspects of some ELC settings. This report does not attempt to fully reflect the ELC sector or the work of the DCEDIY in relation to that sector, but relevant contextual information relating to the 2016-2020 period for the ELC sector is provided below. Chapter 3 provides specific information on the education-focused inspections carried out in settings that deliver the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.1