To ask the Minister of Education to detail (I) whether a workforce strategy for the early years sector is forming part of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy; and (ii) how he will ensure that the workforce strategy won't simply become an action to be completed in the future.

I will bring forward a draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy for Executive consideration and public consultation in the coming weeks. This includes proposals to support the childcare workforce, training needs, recruitment and retention challenges. However, implementation of the Strategy will be subject to Executive approval and agreement to release the additional funding required.

The following actions to support the early learning and childcare workforce have already been implemented from Executive funding provided in 2024-25 and 2025-26, including funding:-

the Department of Communities to provide childminding academies through Labour Market Partnerships, resulting in over 150 newly trained childminders to date;

the Department of Health for a pilot scheme to recruit Approved Home Childcare providers; and

both the Department for the Economy and the Department of Health to enhance training opportunities across the early learning and childcare sector.