Alliance backs greater support for childminding

12.00.00am GMT Tue 1st Feb 2005

ALLIANCE Spokesperson on Children's Issues, Marjorie Hawkins, has said that the Government is letting down both children and parents when it comes to childminding.

The Northern Ireland Childminding Association's report entitled: 'A Way Forward for the Childminding Sector' will be launched by Angela Smith, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety at Stormont tomorrow.

Mrs Hawkins stated:

"Because of cutbacks in funding, the children of NI are being let down when it comes to adequate childminding. Many more children are in need of looking after than there are childminders, yet there is no strategic approach to catering for this demand in the long term.

"The benefits of adequate childminding are obvious, giving parents a greater degree of flexibility, without which some would struggle to cope.

"Alliance supports NICMA and working with them to establish a long-term commitment to funding."

Link: http://www.nicma.org/