AQW 39773/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 04/02/2026
Answered On Date: 10/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps his Department plans to take to ensure that the expansion of wraparound childcare does not inadvertently undermine the sustainability of established after-school services.

Answer:

The draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, published on 17 December 2025, sets out a long-term vision that supports quality, accessibility and sustainability across all early learning and childcare provision

to meet the needs of children and families.