Major changes to the primary school curriculum are expected to see children spending less time on religion and more on foreign languages.

The changes are reportedly contained in a new framework for the primary curriculum to be published early next year.

The Irish Times report that the plans will the length of time spent on religion cut by half an hour a week, from two and a half hours to two hours.

Religion education will be supported by a new curriculum aimed at giving children a wider perspective on different beliefs around the world.

From third class onwards, children will spend an hour per week on French, Spanish, German, or whatever language is prioritised by the school.

There will also be a greater focus on wellbeing, with three hours per week spent on ideas like belonging, resilience and physical activity.

The new blueprint was developed following an extensive consultation process, overseen by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

It will guide the development of a new curriculum that will shape primary school education over the coming decades.

The curriculum is due to be completed by 2026.

The blueprint is expected to be published by the Education Minister Norma Foley in early in 2023.