The vision for the DEIS Strategy to 2035 is to address educational disadvantage in all schools so that every child and young person can dream without limits, is empowered to grow, is inspired to learn and is supported to succeed.

For Children and Young People This strategy focuses on positive learning outcomes for all children and young people experiencing educational disadvantage, supporting them to break through barriers, surpass their own educational expectations and reach the highest levels of educational attainment. Children and young people:
• feel valued, respected and experience a sense of belonging.
• gain greater confidence in their learning and barriers to achievement are addressed.
• are supported to stay in education and succeed at key transitions.
• are supported to reach their potential.

For Schools Through this strategy, the Department of Education and Youth will continue to support schools and those who work in them to address educational disadvantage and promote inclusion. The strategy moves to a more flexible model for DEIS, meaning that over time schools will get the resources that reflect their level of need at a particular time, to better reflect the everchanging nature of our schools.
• Schools are inclusive, welcoming places where every child and young person is valued and supported.
• High-quality teaching, strong leadership and positive relationships are prioritised.
• Attendance, engagement, participation and progression are actively promoted.
• Schools are empowered to respond to needs within their own context.

For Policy This strategy recognises that education is the key to breaking the cycle of disadvantage, creating opportunities and ensuring security for the future. It introduces a longterm, whole system approach to addressing educational disadvantage in all schools. As a result:
• Equity and inclusion are embedded across policy and practice.
• The Department of Education and Youth will coordinate across its own units and collaborate with other departments to deliver cohesive, coherent policies and supports to schools to address educational disadvantage.
• Policy decisions are informed by evidence, data and lived experience.
• Supports are flexible, targeted, coordinated and sustained over time.