Unionist Party leader Robert McCartney has claimed a “failed experiment” in early years teaching has damaged learning in Belfast.

However, teachers, the Department for Education and researchers have said that his figures are wrong.

The system is now used in 125 primary schools and may soon be recommended for all schools.

It teaches children in a less rigid, more play-based style to make learning enjoyable.

McCartney said the teaching system – Enriched Curriculum – provides poor training for young children.

He called it a “secret education scandal”, as research showed poor children would benefit more by being taught in the traditional way.

This has been challenged by a group of teachers in the Shankill area of Belfast, whose pupils are studying this curriculum.

Billy MacAuley, of Black Mountain Primary School, said the system was “massively successful”.