To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the ripple effects of the cuts to his Department’s Early Years funding, in (i) allowing women to return to work and training; (ii) as a bridge to further funding to expand initial groups; (iii) in contributing to the social fabric of communities; and (iv) in providing early years education in isolated areas.

The Early Years Fund is administered by Early Years – the Organisation for Young Children on DE’s behalf. It was introduced by DHSSPS in 2004, to support certain early childhood services in areas of greatest need to become sustainable at that time, following the ending of Peace II funding. It was transferred to DE in November 2006 along with other Early Years policies. The purpose of the funding has remained since transfer to DE.

The DFP review of the Early Years Fund (2013) indicated that DE should reassess its purpose against current key strategic drivers such as the Programme for Government (PfG), the Department’s priorities, and the pressures that now exist across all Government funding.

There are children equally deserving of support across the north who cannot benefit from the Fund in its current form and whose situation must also be considered. It is essential that any funding is allocated in a fair and transparent manner to ensure that those who need it most can avail of it.

Any new funding will be open to all applicants, not just current recipients and be strategically aligned to “Learning to Learn” (a framework for Early Years Education and Learning). Alignment will ensure improved outcomes for young children and their families. If funding becomes available, this will be a priority for my Department.

I fully recognise the importance of Early Years education particularly for our most disadvantaged of children which is why, despite the difficult budgetary position, I have committed over £216m toward Early Years education for 2015/16 to ensure that key services are protected as far as possible.