12 November 2009
525.This section sets out the QCDA’s duties and powers with respect to early learning goals and educational programmes, which mirror those in section 181 relating to the curriculum. These functions include its duty to keep all aspects of these matters under review, its duty to provide advice or carry out research at the request of the Secretary of State and the power to offer advice to the Secretary of State and to conduct research when it considers it appropriate to do so. The QCDA may also publish information relating to the early learning goals and educational programmes.
526.The early learning goals establish learning and development expectations for most children to reach by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are established by order made under section 39(1)(a) of the Childcare Act 2006 and are defined in section 41(2) of that Act as “the knowledge, skills and understanding which young children of different abilities and maturities are expected to have before the 1st September next following the day on which they attain the age of five”. Educational programmes are also established by such an order and are defined in section 41(2) of the 2006 Act as “the matters, skills and processes which are required to be taught to young children of different abilities and maturities”.