To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 8382/22-27, for an update on the (i) terms of reference; (ii) membership; and (iii) and forward work programme for the cross-departmental Task and Finish Group on Childcare.

The Task and Finish Group was established to bring a cross-departmental perspective to the development of an Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. The Group includes representatives from the following departments: Economy, Health, Finance, Communities and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Specialist advice is also provided by economists and statisticians.

The Group’s initial focus has been on the identification and design of interim measures which could be introduced in 2024/25 to ease current pressures on parents and providers. It will also play an important role in supporting the development of the longer-term strategy.