Proposed cuts to several early years programmes - many of which were aimed at disadvantaged children or those with special educational needs - are no longer going ahead, Northern Ireland's Department of Education says.
Dr Mark Browne, the Department of Education's permanent secretary, said that given the scale and impact of the cuts he believed they were "a decision that should be taken by a minister, not a permanent secretary".
The Department of Education is facing significant decisions on how to spend money, after its budget was cut by £66.4m despite rising costs and an increasing demand for services.'Decision for a minister' Many of the programmes under threat are designed to help disadvantaged or special educational needs pupils.
The Pathway Fund supports 187 early years organisations across Northern Ireland, while Sure Start funds centres which aim to support the wellbeing of children before they start school. Meanwhile, the Extended Schools programme enabled almost 500 schools to provide extra services like counselling, breakfasts and after-school clubs.
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