AQW 43802/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 14/04/2026
Answered On Date: 20/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether a Small and Micro Business Impact Test has been undertaken in relation to the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.

Answer:

A Small and Micro Business Impact Test (SAMBIT) sits within the Northern Ireland Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) requirements. RIA screening was undertaken on the draft Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy prior to its issue for public consultation on the 14 December 2026.

The screening acknowledged that the draft ELC strategy and proposed actions set out within it have the potential to impact on businesses, both directly and indirectly. It further acknowledged the potential to impact on the voluntary and community sector recognising its role in ELC provision. A full impact assessment on the complete draft strategy was determined not to be required at this time. The regulatory impact, including that pertaining to small and micro businesses, of each action will be further and fully considered once the final strategy and associated actions have been agreed and during the implementation design stage.