To ask the Minister of Education for an update on childcare support measures for school age children.

With the limited budget provided by the Executive for early learning and childcare in 2024/25, I have sought to target support at those who need it most. As parents of pre-school aged children tend to be the highest users of childcare and incur the greatest costs, this is where my initial focus has been. This is also the period when decisions are often taken by mothers to leave the labour market or reduce their hours, establishing employment patterns which have a lasting impact on their careers and incomes.

The package of early learning and childcare measures currently being implemented will be evaluated alongside data collected from both parents and providers to inform any future interventions, including for school age childcare.

I will be making a strong case to my Executive colleagues for the funding required to sustain and expand early learning and childcare provision in future years.