Menu
30/10/2023
Alliance Calls For Re-Establishment Of Childcare Reference Group
The Alliance Party has called for the re-establishment of the Childcare Reference Group (CRG) to address challenges facing Northern Ireland's childcare sector.
The CRG was established by the departments of Health (DoH) and Education (DoE) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The CRG advised and supported the Executive during the pandemic but was later dissolved, something the Alliance Party has consistently called to be reversed.
The party's Early Years and Childcare spokesperson, Kate Nicholl, said: "The Childcare Reference Group (CRG) played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic in helping both the Department of Education and the Department of Health respond to the challenges facing the childcare sector, and we deeply regret that the group was dissolved.
"It is absolutely crucial that the childcare sector and parents are as deeply involved as possible in conversations about the future direction of childcare provision and policy in Northern Ireland. I have written to the Department of Health requesting that the CRG is established once again on as inclusive a basis as possible, ensuring that the childcare sector and parents have a voice in the development of childcare policy. We have seen parents being mobilised and coming together to demand better and fight for reform to our childcare system. It is vital that those who are living and experiencing the realities of our childcare system every day have a seat at the table and form part of policy development.
"We know childcare is one of the most significant pressures facing our families. That is why we published our affordable childcare scheme proposals, 'Children First', to deliver a practical and child-centred solution to the current crisis, with reduced costs for parents and more support for childcare providers. Parents don't fall for policy sound bites and we need to be ambitious for our children and families.
"We are confident this document can act as a blueprint for an incoming Executive, which if restored and reformed, can begin to deliver quality childcare for all children."
The CRG was established by the departments of Health (DoH) and Education (DoE) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The CRG advised and supported the Executive during the pandemic but was later dissolved, something the Alliance Party has consistently called to be reversed.
The party's Early Years and Childcare spokesperson, Kate Nicholl, said: "The Childcare Reference Group (CRG) played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic in helping both the Department of Education and the Department of Health respond to the challenges facing the childcare sector, and we deeply regret that the group was dissolved.
"It is absolutely crucial that the childcare sector and parents are as deeply involved as possible in conversations about the future direction of childcare provision and policy in Northern Ireland. I have written to the Department of Health requesting that the CRG is established once again on as inclusive a basis as possible, ensuring that the childcare sector and parents have a voice in the development of childcare policy. We have seen parents being mobilised and coming together to demand better and fight for reform to our childcare system. It is vital that those who are living and experiencing the realities of our childcare system every day have a seat at the table and form part of policy development.
"We know childcare is one of the most significant pressures facing our families. That is why we published our affordable childcare scheme proposals, 'Children First', to deliver a practical and child-centred solution to the current crisis, with reduced costs for parents and more support for childcare providers. Parents don't fall for policy sound bites and we need to be ambitious for our children and families.
"We are confident this document can act as a blueprint for an incoming Executive, which if restored and reformed, can begin to deliver quality childcare for all children."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
05 December 2023
Full-Time Childcare Now More Than £10,000 A Year In NI
The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is now more than £10,000 a year, an increase of 14% since 2021, according to a new report from Employers For Childcare (EFC).
Full-Time Childcare Now More Than £10,000 A Year In NI
The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is now more than £10,000 a year, an increase of 14% since 2021, according to a new report from Employers For Childcare (EFC).
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
