Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy that could see childcare costs for working families subsidised by more than 50%.
The draft Strategy, agreed by the Executive to be circulated for public consultation, sets out plans to transform early learning and childcare in Northern Ireland by expanding provision, easing financial pressures on families and strengthening the sustainability of the childcare sector. A public consultation has now been launched on the Strategy and the proposals to reform early learning and childcare.
Speaking on the day of the launch (Wednesday 17 December) Mr Givan said: “Today marks an important milestone for children, families and the early learning and childcare sector across Northern Ireland. The draft Strategy builds on the progress already made and sets out ambitious proposals to position Northern Ireland among the leading international models of early learning and childcare support.
“Since September 2024, almost 19,000 families have benefitted from the Childcare Subsidy Scheme, generating £19million in savings, rising to an estimated £40million when combined with Tax-Free Childcare.
“My ambition is clear. I want to deliver even greater childcare savings for families, reaching a point where more than half of childcare costs for working families are subsidised.”
The draft Strategy sets out the Executive’s plans to support children’s development, ease financial pressures on working families and ensure that the childcare sector is stable and sustainable.
It sets out plans to provide universal full-time pre-school education, prioritise the development and introduction of an Early Years Curriculum (ELC) Framework and a longer-term objective to expand developmental provision to all 2 to 3 years-olds. There are also proposals to provide additional ELC support for children with special educational needs and disabilities and a plan to strengthen the childcare workforce, both centre-based provision and home-based childminders.
Paul Givan continued: “This draft Strategy is the product of extensive work. It has been shaped by engagement with parents, providers and stakeholders; informed by research and evidence; and guided by the recommendations of independent reviews. It has also been developed on a cross-departmental basis, recognising that early learning and childcare touches education, health, communities and the economy.
“The draft Strategy sets out how we build on the progress that has been made over the past two years. It is ambitious, but it is also realistic. It recognises financial constraints, the need to protect existing provision, and the importance of growing the system at a pace the sector can sustain.
“The public consultation is a vital part of the development process and am keen to hear from as wide a range of people as possible. I want to ensure the final Strategy reflects the real-life priorities of children, parents and providers. I would encourage everyone with an interest to share their views.”
The public consultation on the draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy runs for 14 weeks, until 24 March 2025.
The Department also plans to hold a series of public consultation events. Details will be published when available on the DE website.
