AQW 41165/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health for an update on how he is addressing unregistered childminding.

Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 23 February 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
23 February 2026
Answer due by
10 March 2026
Answered
6 March 202611 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

HSC Trust Early Years Teams investigate all reports of unregistered childcare, serving enforcement notices under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 where appropriate.

In addition, my department continues to promote the benefits of using registered childcare and raise awareness of the risks associated with unregistered childcare, through the www.familysupportni.gov.uk website.

The developing Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy will also assist in tackling the issue of unregistered childminders, by promoting the value of registered childminding, as well as making childcare more affordable and accessible for parents who need it.

Official sources