AQW 40052/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 06/02/2026
Answered On Date: 24/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any options childminders, and childcare providers, have to refer children who have additional needs, for support.

Answer:

As per my Department’s Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care, if a registered childcare provider identifies a child in their care as possibly having additional needs their observations should be sensitively discussed with the child’s parents and the parents should be encouraged to seek relevant help. The childcare provider also has a responsibility to ensure that the physical environment is suitable for each child.