AQW 6401/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 14/02/2024
Answered On Date: 19/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education what consideration he has given to the expansion of SureStart.

Answer:

The Sure Start programme is delivered via 38 Sure Start projects, in (at least) the 25% most disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland as determined by postcode. All children aged 0-3 years (and their families) within the catchment areas of the 38 projects are eligible to access services. Around 41,500 children aged 0-3 years, and families, can avail of Sure Start support.

Expansion of early years interventions currently funded by my Department (including Sure Start) is being considered within the development of an Executive Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) strategy. However, as I have previously made clear, before expanding, it is essential to stabilise existing provision and this and any expanded provision will be subject to availability of the required funding.