To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the Bright Start Grant Scheme, including when the application process for further funding is expected to open.

Key First Actions 1, 2 and 5 of the first phase of the Executive’s Childcare Strategy aim to create or sustain school age childcare places. The Bright Start School Age Childcare Grant Scheme was launched in March 2014 and delivers on these actions. A first call for applications to the Grant Scheme took place in May 2014 and a second call for applications occurred in September 2014. Through the first two calls 79 childcare settings applications were approved representing funding of some £3 million to create or sustain over 2,200 places. A third round of funding opened on 26 November 2015 and will close on 29 January 2016.