AQW 50821/22-27 – Affordability of childcare provision during school holidays

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Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) whether any assessment has made of the (a) adequacy; and (b) affordability, of childcare provision during school holidays; and (ii) any steps his Department is taking to ensure that childcare costs do not prevent parents, particularly women, from remaining in employment. … Continue reading AQW 50821/22-27 – Affordability of childcare provision during school holidays

AQW 50819/22-27 – Childcare support

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Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education whether any assessment has been made of the effectiveness of childcare support for parents seeking to enter or return to employment. Minister of Education: The Northern Ireland Childcare Survey, commissioned by my Department and conducted by NISRA in 2024, found that 58% of households … Continue reading AQW 50819/22-27 – Childcare support

McGlone Highlights Lack of Rural Services in North at Interparliamentary Assembly

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SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has highlighted the lack of rural services in the North, particularly affordable childcare. The Mid Ulster MLA was addressing the meeting of the North South Interparliamentary Assembly on Friday 27th September. Speaking afterwards, Mr McGlone said, “The lack of affordable childcare in the North is an issue that … Continue reading McGlone Highlights Lack of Rural Services in North at Interparliamentary Assembly

AQW 5459/22-27 – Executive Childcare Strategy

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Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the development of an Executive Childcare Strategy. Minister of Education: Since my appointment as Education Minister, I have made the development and implementation of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy a priority and while I have stated that our ambition … Continue reading AQW 5459/22-27 – Executive Childcare Strategy

AQW 29794/17-22 – Standardising pre-school education session length

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Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 28471/17-22, AQW 28472/17-22, AQW 28473/17-22, AQW 28474/17-22 and AQW 28566/17-22, (i) when her Department will undertake a detailed scoping study to accurately assess standardising pre-school education session length; and (ii) for an implementation timeline. Minister of Education: The timing and parameters … Continue reading AQW 29794/17-22 – Standardising pre-school education session length

AQWs on Childcare Provision

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Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): (AQW 28471 17-22) To ask the Minister of Education what plans does she have to match the number of hours of free childcare or pre-school education provided in England, Scotland, and Wales; (AQW 28472 17-22) To ask the Minister of Education when was the last independent review of the provision … Continue reading AQWs on Childcare Provision

AQO 2863/17-22 – Additional COVID-19 funding for childcare sector

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Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to outline the additional funding that will be provided to the childcare sector due to COVID-19 pressures. Minister of Education: From 1 April 2020 to 30 September 2021, my Department paid approximately £37m Covid-19 funding to the childcare sector via two separate funding schemes … Continue reading AQO 2863/17-22 – Additional COVID-19 funding for childcare sector

AQW 5773/17-22 – Financial Support for Childcare Sector

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Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education (i) what financial support scheme will be made available for the recovery of the childcare sector; and (ii) when the scheme will open. Minister of Education: I announced the £10.5 million Childcare Recovery Support fund for the childcare sector on 22 July. As part … Continue reading AQW 5773/17-22 – Financial Support for Childcare Sector