AQW 49933/11-16 Written question to the First Minister and deputy First Minister
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) which groups have benefited from the Bright Start Childcare Scheme since 2014 in East Londonderry; and (ii) for an update on a third call for applications to this scheme, including whether funding has been ring-fenced for this.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 19 October 2015
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 19 October 2015
- Answer due by
- 3 November 2015
- Answered
- 23 November 201535 days after tabling
- Department
- The Executive Office
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Since 2014 the following the following childcare settings in East Londonderry Parliamentary Constituency have been funded under the Bright Start Childcare Scheme:
| Group | Revenue (£) | Capital (£) |
| The Nest Out of School Club, Claudy | 34,777 | 0 |
| Burnfoot Playgroup, Dungiven | 32,784 | 0 |
| Dry Arch Childrens Centre, Dungiven | 19,497 | 30,000 |
| Gaelscoil Leim An Mhadaidh, Limavady | 28,845 | 13,500 |
| Apple Tree Childcare, Garvagh | 11,764 | 30,000 |
To promote a further round of funding for the Bright Start Grant Scheme a series of eight events were held between 27 May and 12 June. It is now planned to open up the application process for funding again in November 2015.
In the 2011-2015 Budget, £12 million was ring-fenced to support the development of the Executive’s Childcare Strategy. Of the £12 million childcare fund, £4.2 million has been spent to date. The balance will continue to be used to resource the Key First Actions of the Childcare Strategy, such as the Bright Start Grant Scheme.