Early stage in development of some secular values (6)

I believe the answer is:

larval

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'early stage in development' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'some secular values' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'LARVAL' is hidden in the letters of 'secular values'.

'of' is the link.

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I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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