AQW 15276/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 18/09/2024
Answered On Date: 05/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the work of the (i) Task and Finish Group; and (ii) Review Reference Group established to support the review of the Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care.

Answer:

The first stage of the review of the Minimum Standards, a public consultation on adult-child ratios and the requirement for all prospective childcare workers to provide a health declaration countersigned by their GP, was launched on Monday 24 March 2025.

Following the close of the consultation on 20 June 2025, all responses will be collated for review by the Department, and a consultation report will be produced.

The Review Reference Group will also be established following the close of the consultation to consider the wider Minimum Standards in detail and assist with the drafting of a redesigned set of Standards for consultation early in 2026.