To ask the Minister of Education whether her Department is exploring and costing models for affordable childcare schemes other than a 30 hours free childcare scheme.

I made a Ministerial Statement to Assembly members on 7 September 2022 announcing an expanded and standardised offer for every child in their pre-school year and progress on developing an Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.

The offer of a minimum of 22.5 hours pre-school education per week is a core component, and viewed as a vital first step, to ensuring equality of provision for all children aged 3-4. Further proposals, including for other age groups and additional hours, will be considered as part of the ongoing development work on the wider Strategy. A Review of Childcare Services in NI is already underway and will provide essential evidence to inform this work.

I have written to key stakeholders on 7 September 2022, inviting them to join the new Stakeholder Engagement Forum which will support the development of the Strategy. It is envisaged that the first meeting of the Forum will take place in October 2022.

The implication of the cost of living crisis on individuals and businesses is recognised across Departments. Any response to the crisis needs to be in the context of national measures.

You can view the full Ministerial Statement at the following link https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/written-ministerial-statement-update-executive-childcare-strategy.