AQW 12267/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education to detail the processes in place to communicate with parents and carers upon the closure of a childcare or early years setting.

Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 21 May 2024

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
21 May 2024
Answer due by
6 June 2024
Answered
6 June 202416 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
No

Answer

Where a pre-school provider participating in the Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP) is withdrawn from the programme the approach taken by the Education Authority (EA) to inform and support parents and carers will vary depending on the circumstances. Primarily it involves the EA Admissions Service contacting parents by email or telephone to advise of the setting’s withdrawal and make them aware of alternative options. Where no email or phone number is available, parents will be contacted in writing.

For registered childcare providers, it is the responsibility of the provider to inform parents of their closure.

Official sources