To ask the Minister of Education to detail any engagement he has had with (i) providers; (ii) and parents, in relation to accessible childcare for those with special educational needs or disabilities, as part of the development of the Early Learning and Childcare strategy.

I have engaged with parents and providers in relation to accessible childcare for children with Special Education Needs or Disabilities (SEN/D) throughout the development of the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy to hear directly from them and what they feel needs to be done.

I have attended meetings of the ELC Stakeholder Engagement Forum, which includes providers, parents and sector representative groups as well as numerous visits to early learning and childcare settings to discuss the issues and challenges they face in supporting children with SEN/D. In addition, I held a targeted parental engagement session that included parents who have children with additional needs.

I commissioned the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) to undertake a major household survey of parents’ childcare requirements in relation to affordability, accessibility and quality which has provided valuable insights into family and sector challenges, including those added challenges for families with children with SEN/D.

My officials continually engaged and held bilateral discussions with other relevant government departments through the ELC Task and Finish Group, and sector organisations as part of the development process.

This extensive engagement ensures the draft ELC Strategy for public consultation reflects the needs of families, providers, and children, including those requiring additional support.