To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department has formally proposed actions to be included in the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, to support those in training or further or higher education, with childcare costs.

I am fully committed to working with the Minister for Education and his officials as they progress the development of an Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, including representation on a range of cross-departmental groups.

My officials are currently working with the Department for Education to develop and agree options for inclusion in the Strategy, with a focus on skills and qualifications for the workforce, as well as the need for support for the sector.

Regarding support for those in training or further or higher education. My department already provides; the FE Childcare Grant for FE students aged 20 and over who are in receipt of an FE grant; the Hardship Childcare Grant for eligible FE students aged 18 and over; the Care to Learn Scheme for eligible FE students aged 16-19; and the Childcare Grant for eligible full-time undergraduate higher education students. Support is provided towards the costs of registered or approved childcare.