AQW 44288/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 20/04/2026
Answered On Date: 06/08/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether the Fair Play Grant Scheme will continue in the 2026-27 financial year.

Answer:

Including Children with Additional Needs through the Fair Play Grant Scheme is an important source of support to ensure all children with a range of needs can access quality early years experiences.

In 2026/27 it is anticipated the Fair Play Grant Scheme will proceed contingent on budget confirmation.

Should a budget be confirmed, the Childcare Partnership will schedule and publish the timeline for invitations to apply, assessment of applications and date for the issue of decisions. All registered providers will be informed of these details through correspondence from Family Support NI, the public register for childcare providers.