However, the South Belfast MLA said the review’s recommendations would only be allowed to grasp that opportunity if the Executive was restored to allow an Education Minister to be in place.

“The focus and attention on early years within this review is welcome,” said Ms Nicholl.

“We simply cannot underestimate the value of early intervention for our children, families, and the whole of society, and the investment given to early years provision must reflect that.

“A child’s educational and developmental journey does not begin in primary one, and the early years have a crucial role to play in helping our children learn, grow and develop.

“The independent review presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop an early years system which can deliver the best educational journey for our children and young people. But that opportunity can only be grasped if there is an Education Minister in place to act on the recommendations.

“It is now absolutely critical we come together through the Assembly and Executive to discuss, debate, and ultimately deliver on the recommendations contained within the review.”