To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 9445/22-27, to detail any consideration he has given to reviewing the need to have annual inspections for registered childminders.

The requirement for registered childcare provision to be inspected on an annual basis is contained within the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, and is considered to be an important measure in ensuring that children and families have access to high quality, safe care.

That said, as part of the ongoing review of the Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care, I have asked my officials to seek input from stakeholders on inspection frequency.