Wellbeing supports children’s social, emotional, and physical development now and into the future. It enables children to develop self-awareness and knowledge, build life skills, and develop a strong sense of connectedness to their school, their community, and wider society. To develop these skills and dispositions, it is important for children to develop their own ethical understanding of the world.
Values education encourages reflection on choices, exploration of opportunities, and commitment to responsibilities. Children will be encouraged to value what it means to be an active citizen, with rights and responsibilities in local and wider contexts.
Wellbeing provides structured opportunities for children to be as physically and emotionally well and healthy as they can be. This happens by building their motivation and commitment to physical activity and to inform healthy lifestyle choices. Wellbeing also supports children to value positive and healthy relationships with others, which includes acquiring an understanding of human sexuality that is balanced and connected with the relational and emotional aspects.
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Consultation is now open on the Draft Wellbeing Specification.
NCCA would love to hear your feedback and input. For more information on the consultation and how you can get involved, please visit our dedicated consultation page.
Wellbeing Education Development Group
NCCA advises the Minister for Education on curriculum and assessment for early childhood education, for primary and post-primary schools. As part of the broader developments in primary, it is envisaged that a new specification for Wellbeing education will be finalised in early 2025.
The Wellbeing Education Development Group will have a key role in this work. The Development Group consists of the nominees from a range of education stakeholders including teacher and management bodies and the Department of Education.
For more information on the development processes of NCCA and members of the development groups, visit Boards and Development Groups.
Meeting notes from the Primary Wellbeing Development Group can be accessed below.
- Meeting 1 December 2022
- Meeting 2 January 2023
- Meeting 3 February 2023
- Meeting 4 March 2023
- Meeting 5 April 2023
- Meeting 6 September 2023
- Meeting 7 October 2023
- Meeting 8 November 2023
- Meeting 9 December 2023
- Meeting 10 January 2024
A systematic literature review has been carried out by Mary Immaculate College on behalf of NCCA to support the development of a specification for Wellbeing.
NCCA worked in partnership with Hub na nÓg and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), to consult with children on the future of PE and SPHE as part of the curriculum area of Wellbeing. The report presents the views, opinions, thoughts and suggestions of the children participating in the consultation. A child-friendly version has also been developed and shared with the children's schools.
- Consultation with children on the future of Physical Education and Social, Personal, and Health Education as part of the curriculum area of Wellbeing
- Child-friendly report