To ask the Minister for the Economy what she is doing to ensure students at higher and further education colleges have access to affordable childcare.

I recognise the rising cost of childcare and the impact this has on parents and families who are already struggling with the cost of living. My Department provides a means-tested childcare grant to help towards the costs of childcare for eligible full-time undergraduate students. My Department is also committed to supporting Further Education (FE) students access affordable childcare by providing a range of student support packages which assist FE students with the cost of childcare. FE students can claim for assistance with childcare costs through the FE Grant, Hardship Fund and Care to Learn Scheme.