To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the amount spent by her Department in 2024-25 on measures to deliver affordable, quality childcare.

While childcare policy is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Education, delivering ‘more affordable, accessible, high-quality Early Learning and Childcare’ is an Executive priority in the Programme for Government. In July 2024, £740k of the Skills Fund was ringfenced to support pathways into the childcare sector and increase the supply of suitably qualified workers.

In addition, in August 2024, a business case was approved for £172k for a pilot collaborative Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare delivered through Belfast Met. The aim of the academy was to equip 20 participants with the necessary skills and experience to commence roles in the childcare sector.

The department also provides a suite of pathways for childcare training and qualifications through Further and Higher Education, and through vocational qualifications like apprenticeships and traineeships, which will qualify individuals to work across a range of childcare settings.

A further £153k has been committed to delivering market research on a targeted business support scheme for childcare providers. This will report in March 2025.