AQW 22241/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 10/02/2025
Answered On Date: 12/02/2025
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) how he intends to spend the £50 million he has been allocated by the Executive for Early Learning and Childcare; and (ii) whether this will include an allocation to fund an increase in the cap for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.

Answer:

I have secured £50m for Early Learning and Childcare provision in the draft 2025-26 Executive Budget, currently out for consultation. I am considering options for its allocation, based on what is affordable. When the budget is agreed, I will bring forward proposals to the Executive.