The Foundation Stage Enriched Curriculum (EC), which is more activity-led than the existing curriculum, was first piloted in schools in the Greater Shankill area of Belfast in 2000.
The EC postpones the introduction of formal reading and arithmetic teaching in Years 1 and 2 in favour of activities that lay the foundations for understanding basic literacy and mathematical concepts.
An evaluation of the pilot, published by Queen's University Belfast in January, showed that although formal teaching was delayed for two years, children who participated in the EC were not behind their peers in reading and maths at the end of Year 4.
In addition, the EC children showed some advantages in terms of oral skills, mathematical concepts and narrative writing.
NIPPA chief executive Siobhan Fitzpatrick said, 'NIPPA would prefer to see all children in Northern Ireland's primary schools with a play-based curriculum. Children start school on their fourth birthday, which is younger than any other country in the world. For some children, the current curriculum is too formal and abstract.
'We know from the evaluation that a play-based curriculum is more appropriate. Although extending the scheme would involve considerable investment in training and resources, we know there are many schools willing to be involved.'
Minister for education Angela Smith said recently she was 'still considering' whether to extend the scheme. A spokesperson from the Department for Education said the minister was 'keen to ensure that the EC was approached strategically'.
NIPPA will launch a new campaign, Give Me Five, in early 2006, to raise the school starting age and give children access to five years of play-based learning.
Last month DENI gave details of the Children and Young People's Funding Package of 25m over two years for services to improve children's educational development. Funding for the EC will be considered as part of this.
