AQW 14106/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/07/2024
Answered On Date: 08/07/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, in light of the recently announced interim measures, to detail the timeline for bringing the long-term Early Learning and Childcare strategy to the Executive for approval.

Answer:

As stated in my Ministerial Statement on 23rd May, while it will be challenging, my aim is to have the childcare subsidy scheme operational for September. My officials remain committed to working to this timescale.

The Executive has agreed that the focus over the coming months should be on implementation of the early learning and childcare measures announced for 2024/25.

Evaluation of these measures and analysis of the data due to be collected from parents and providers in 2024/25 will inform the development of the longer-term Strategy and a feasible timeline to deliver it.