To ask the Minister of Education for a timeline of when childcare providers will be provided with financial support to fully address the needs of parents prior to the end of this financial year.

I am aware of the significant financial strain on both families and childcare providers and the calls to urgently put in place support due to cost increases from 1 April. Options are currently being scoped, however, any scheme(s) we put in place must be based on a robust business case assessment, provide value for money, be targeted to achieve the outcomes required and have appropriate governance and accountability mechanisms built in. It is also necessary to consider the potential impact of a bespoke childcare intervention on other sectors. My officials are engaging with their counterparts in other departments on these issues.

I have bid for funding to enable me to take forward short-term actions in the 2024/25 financial year. I will work with my Executive colleagues on this but progress will ultimately depend on the funds being made available to my department.