Immediate action needed to support school-aged childcare sector, says Guy.

Speaking following the launch of PlayBoard NI’s report into school-aged childcare at Stormont yesterday (3 Feb), Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy has said the sector have been waiting too long for support.

Education Childcare Michelle Guy

The report outlined significant challenges facing school-age childcare providers, including financial sustainability within the sector.

 

The Lagan Valley MLA has said: “The school-aged childcare sector is made up of caring, dedicated professionals, who provide a critical service in our society. I know within my own personal experience that my own children’s childminder was incredible.

 

This report highlights the important role those in the sector play, but also the challenges that they face. Financial sustainability is a big concern and so to is workforce planning and support. As a party we welcomed Executive funding being used to establish the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme, however, this is only providing support for children younger than primary school age and for parents who are on Tax-Free Childcare.

 

The Minister needs to take immediate action to expand financial support for school-aged childcare, but this must also come alongside the delivery of longer term actions through the long-awaited Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.”

 

Alan Herron, CEO of PlayBoard NI, added: “Findings from our State of the School-Age Childcare Sector Survey highlight that the continued absence of support for the sector is having a significant impact, with 16% of settings at risk of immediate closure and 40% at risk over the next 12 months. There are also ongoing cost pressures for parents and carers, with a quarter currently paying over £400 per child per month.

 

“Play-based school-age childcare providers deliver quality childcare and valuable play opportunities for school-aged children, contributing to improved health and well-being, education, learning, and social development.

 

“Without direct support from the NI Executive, settings have told us they will be unable to sustain services, which will negatively impact the development of our children and young people.”