To ask the Minister of Education what options are being costed to support the childcare sector and affordability for parents as part of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.

I outlined my plans to the Assembly on 12th February for the development and implementation of an ambitious Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. I also indicated that the work to date had involved reviewing and estimating the cost of adopting variations of the schemes operating in other neighbouring jurisdictions. However, I stressed that I wanted to deliver a bespoke scheme for Northern Ireland and conscious that it will take time to get the right model in place, I am also considering what short-term measures might be possible to address current pressures. Over the coming weeks, I plan to meet parents, providers, and others with an interest in the strategy, to hear firsthand the issues which they are facing.