AQW 26911/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 12/05/2025
Answered On Date: 15/05/2025
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education when he will confirm if any additional resources will be given to the Pathway Fund.

Answer:

I have increased the maximum level of award for the Pathway Fund from £30,000 to £40,000 for Stream A and from £15,000 to £20,000 for Stream B, in light of increased costs of delivering services. I also plan to introduce an additional Stream C to provide specific support to Childminders and Approved Home Childcarers (AHCs).

However, the DE budget for Pathway cannot meet the additional demand and my plans for expansion. As you are aware, I have sought Executive agreement to provide additional funding to eligible Pathway applicants from the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy (ELCS) ring-fenced allocation in 2025-26.

If Executive approval is received, DE will confirm the additional funding with Early Years (EYO) which administers the Pathway Fund on behalf of the Department, who will notify recipient settings.