To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the investment being made in training and skills development for the childcare workforce.

High-quality, affordable childcare remains a strategic priority for the Executive. Supporting skills and education pathways for those working within the childcare and childminding sectors is essential to achieving this aim. My Department currently facilitates a range of training and qualification pathways through Further and Higher Education institutions, as well as vocational routes including apprenticeships, traineeships and academies. This year, I have secured over £350,000 to support Further Education Colleges to develop a series of online accredited childcare specific micro courses, at Levels 2 and 3, building on the £740,000 invested last year. A second collaborative Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare has also recently launched to support participants with the training needed to gain entry level roles in the childcare sector.