Childcare Strategy Must Deliver For Families Says Mason
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said the draft Early Years and Childcare Strategy must address soaring costs and support families and providers.
Speaking in the Assembly, the party’s spokesperson for Childcare and Early Years said: “Soaring childcare costs continue to place an unbearable strain on families across the North.
“Living costs are continuing to bite and we must do all we can to keep money in the pockets of hard-pressed workers and families.
“While the Childcare Subsidy Scheme has helped reduce costs, the draft childcare strategy lacks a commitment from the Minister to ensure that future subsidies will not be eaten up by inflation.
“Providers continue to struggle with rising overheads, workforce capacity and retention of staff. Childminders continue to be squeezed by further British Government cuts.
“I urge everyone to respond to the Early Years and Childcare Strategy consultation and make your voices heard.”
The South Down MLA aded: “Parents and childcare providers are clear that the Minister needs to spell out exactly how his strategy will cut bills for parents, accessing both early years and school-aged childcare, support struggling providers, and guarantee high-quality childcare.
“It must be designed to serve every child, with clear commitments for those who have special educational needs and physical disabilities.
“The strategy must set out a roadmap for the expansion of Irish Medium Childcare and Early Years Provision, ensuring there is the capacity to meet rising demand, and stop the Minister’s trend of viewing Irish Medium as an afterthought.”
Link to the consultation and more background info:
https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/consultation-five-year-budget-strategy-education-published
