It comes after he and fellow local Alliance representative Councillor David Lee-Surginor visited Little Stars pre-school in Killyleagh earlier this week, who has received the devastating news that they have not been awarded the funding at this stage in the year.

Mr Mathison, who also chairs the Assembly’s Education Committee has said: "It’s completely unacceptable that Little Stars has been left, yet again, with no certainty over their funding from the Department of Education.

“Not only does it place the amazing services they offer to the youngest children in Killyleagh in jeopardy, but it leaves their dedicated team of staff in a position where they are now worrying about their jobs and financial security.

“There now seems to be an annual cycle in which pre-schools right across Northern Ireland are being left in the dark about whether they’re to receive Pathway funding or not, only for the money to eventually be found later in the year. It’s not sustainable and many settings are at risk of not being able to keep the doors open because of that kind of uncertainty.

"The Education Minister talks about early intervention and investing in Early Years. It is therefore baffling that he has not prioritised investment in the Pathway Fund that these settings rely on. We know demand for funding outstrips supply, but with £50million set aside by the Executive for Early Learning and Childcare this year outside the department’s budget, the minister must act urgently to avoid vital Early Years services in some of our most deprived communities closing.

"I will be raising this with the minister as a matter of urgency, and applying every pressure possible to see such crucial support delivered."