AQW 41501/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 26/02/2026
Answered On Date: 16/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail all funding spent by her Department from the Executive funding for Early Learning and Childcare, in the last two years

Answer:

My Department was allocated £415,000 from the Executive to fund a range of skills interventions to support Early Learning and Childcare.

This funding supported the development of 12 accredited microcredential courses as well as research into higher level qualifications that will support individuals progression into management roles.

Additionally, my Department spent £153,288 on the Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers Market Research.