AQO 4043/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 24/09/2026
Answered On Date: 05/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the business support service for childcare providers.

Answer:

My Department is progressing the development of a specialised Childcare Business Advisory Service. The need for such a service was identified in the Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support Market Research report, published on my Department’s website in September 2025.

Since then, officials have engaged extensively with childcare-sector leads, provider representatives, business support organisations and colleagues across government. That engagement has helped clarify providers’ priorities and the practical support required. Officials are now examining delivery options, including how existing business support infrastructure could be combined with specialist childcare-sector expertise to provide a single, joined-up service.

The service is intended to be accessible across the full range of provider types and to offer practical, tailored advice that complements rather than duplicates existing support. Detailed arrangements, including the preferred delivery model, governance and funding, are being worked through. Implementation in 2026/27 will be subject to the availability of resources for delivery of the Childcare and Early Learning Strategy.