• Are learning and developing from birth
• Have social and emotional wellbeing
• Are engaged in learning
• Are achieving in education  

The vast majority of young people in Ireland enjoy learning, with 92% completing second level education and over 60%10 going on to third-level education. However, there are also some stark statistics – only 13% of young people in the Traveller community complete the Leaving Certificate. Children and young people with special needs, those whose first language is not English and those who have experienced social exclusion need additional supports to achieve their learning potential. Learning starts from birth and goes beyond formal schooling and should encourage creativity and lifelong learning. Engagement in education is a significant protective factor against negative outcomes.

The aims are to ensure that all children get the best foundation in learning and development, have social and emotional wellbeing, and are engaged in and achieving in education.

Specific Government commitments relating to this outcome are outlined in Section 2, Part 2 under ‘Outcome 2’ (see pp. 69-72).