Northern Ireland's Education Minister Paul Givan welcomed a Northern Ireland Audit Office report on education quality. The report identifies gaps in performance data for pupils at Key Stages 1 to 3. These gaps limit monitoring of progress, targeting of support, and evaluation of policy effects.

Givan linked high-quality education to the region's prosperity. He noted the need for reliable early assessment information to aid children's learning. The Department of Education's TransformED strategy introduces literacy and numeracy checks for ages 8, 11, and 14.

The report points to nearly ten years of industrial action disrupting school inspections. This has reduced oversight of teaching quality, safeguarding, and support for pupils with special educational needs.

Givan stressed the role of inspections in assuring parents, improving schools, and verifying public spending outcomes. He highlighted risks from action short of strike preventing inspectors from statutory duties.

New legislation from the Department aims to protect the inspection process. Givan called on political parties to back the bill. Northern Ireland lacks such protections compared to other UK and Ireland jurisdictions.

TransformED enacts reforms in assessment, school improvement, inspection, and accountability. Givan stated commitment to a data-rich, high-trust system for all learners.