AQW 49876/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 29/06/2026
Answered On Date: 07/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps her Department is taking to ensure additional support is available for parents seeking training while working.

Answer:

My Department funds a range of student support measures designed to reduce the barriers associated with childcare so that parents can undertake Further Education (FE) and upskilling whilst working. Across the FE colleges, the FE Grants and the Hardship Fund provide financial support with registered childcare costs for eligible students aged 18 and over. In addition, the Care to Learn Scheme provides financial support towards registered childcare costs for eligible students aged 16 to 19 within FE.

For Higher Education (HE), I recently consulted on a review of approach to widening participation which recognised that those with caring responsibilities and adult returners face particular barriers to accessing, and progressing within, provision. The consultation proposed the inclusion of these cohorts in the framework of priority groups, referencing the need for inclusive and flexible entry routes and tailored support.