To ask the Minister of Education whether additional financial support and services for parents with multiples is being considered as part of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.

The specific needs of parents with multiples will be considered as part of the development of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.

In recognition that implementing an ELC Strategy will take time, I have introduced a range of measures this year which have already reduced the costs of childcare for eligible parents, including those with multiples. The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme has been designed to ease the financial pressures on households and to help more parents remain in work, and the subsidy is available per child.

The Sure Start programme operates a Progressive Universalism model which ensures that the individual needs of Sure Start children and families are identified and supported, including families with multiple births. I have provided an additional £3.1m to Sure Start in 2024/25.