Menu
17/05/2023
Alliance Calls For 'More Investment In Childcare, Not Less'
The Alliance Party has called for more investment in childcare, not less, following the news that funding for Bright Start – the Executive's programe for affordable and integrated childcare – is facing cuts.
The party's education spokesperson , Connie Egan, has said that they providers have informed them that almost 50 settings in receipt of Bright Start funding could be forced to close under proposals to end funding at the end of June, which she said "would have a devastating impact on children and parents"
The MLA continued: "Bright Start is a key programme in delivering childcare across Northern Ireland. Parents, childcare providers, and early years stakeholders are being put in a precarious situation and face an uncertain future over these proposed cuts, which is a totally unacceptable situation.
"It's been evident for years that there has not been enough investment in childcare in Northern Ireland and we are lagging behind other parts of the UK. We urgently need to see greater investment in the sector, not less, in order to ensure families can access the childcare they require.
"This position is only exacerbated by the ongoing lack of both a Childcare Strategy and an Executive to implement it, something we in the Alliance party have repeatedly called for. A Childcare Strategy is now decades overdue and without a minister in place to take decisive action, we stand to fall behind even further and let more people slip between the cracks.
"Many parents in Northern Ireland have difficulties accessing or affording necessary childcare, impacting their ability to work. This has only been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, meaning that now, more than ever, we are in dire need of affordable childcare.
"The sector and families need clarity on the future of the programmes and sustainable funding that will put the sector on a more stable footing going forward.
"Alliance believes that affordable childcare is a key economic driver and that we urgently need a restored Executive to prioritise and fund a Childcare Strategy and ensure Bright Start funding is protected for years to come."
The party's education spokesperson , Connie Egan, has said that they providers have informed them that almost 50 settings in receipt of Bright Start funding could be forced to close under proposals to end funding at the end of June, which she said "would have a devastating impact on children and parents"
The MLA continued: "Bright Start is a key programme in delivering childcare across Northern Ireland. Parents, childcare providers, and early years stakeholders are being put in a precarious situation and face an uncertain future over these proposed cuts, which is a totally unacceptable situation.
"It's been evident for years that there has not been enough investment in childcare in Northern Ireland and we are lagging behind other parts of the UK. We urgently need to see greater investment in the sector, not less, in order to ensure families can access the childcare they require.
"This position is only exacerbated by the ongoing lack of both a Childcare Strategy and an Executive to implement it, something we in the Alliance party have repeatedly called for. A Childcare Strategy is now decades overdue and without a minister in place to take decisive action, we stand to fall behind even further and let more people slip between the cracks.
"Many parents in Northern Ireland have difficulties accessing or affording necessary childcare, impacting their ability to work. This has only been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, meaning that now, more than ever, we are in dire need of affordable childcare.
"The sector and families need clarity on the future of the programmes and sustainable funding that will put the sector on a more stable footing going forward.
"Alliance believes that affordable childcare is a key economic driver and that we urgently need a restored Executive to prioritise and fund a Childcare Strategy and ensure Bright Start funding is protected for years to come."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 June 2024
Alliance MPs To Push For Improvements To Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
The Alliance Party has made a commitment that their MP's will push for improvements to the UK Government's tax-free childcare scheme.
Alliance MPs To Push For Improvements To Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
The Alliance Party has made a commitment that their MP's will push for improvements to the UK Government's tax-free childcare scheme.
24 November 2021
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
11 October 2024
New Childcare Subsidy Saves Parents Nearly £1m
The new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has helped parents save nearly £1 million on their September childcare bills. When combined with the contributions from Tax-Free Childcare, the total savings for Northern Irish parents exceed £2 million.
New Childcare Subsidy Saves Parents Nearly £1m
The new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has helped parents save nearly £1 million on their September childcare bills. When combined with the contributions from Tax-Free Childcare, the total savings for Northern Irish parents exceed £2 million.
19 May 2008
Minding Kids Is No Childsplay
Many families seeking childcare in Northern Ireland are finding the search difficult, according to a major new survey on childcare commissioned by NICMA - the Childminding Association.
Minding Kids Is No Childsplay
Many families seeking childcare in Northern Ireland are finding the search difficult, according to a major new survey on childcare commissioned by NICMA - the Childminding Association.
21 June 2021
Childcare Support Funds Extended
Two Covid-19 childcare support funds are to be extended, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced. This includes a third phase of the Childcare Sustainability Fund for the period 1 April to 30 June 2021 and the Childcare Covid-19 Temporary Closure Fund from 1 April to 30 September 2021.
Childcare Support Funds Extended
Two Covid-19 childcare support funds are to be extended, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced. This includes a third phase of the Childcare Sustainability Fund for the period 1 April to 30 June 2021 and the Childcare Covid-19 Temporary Closure Fund from 1 April to 30 September 2021.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
