Tuesday 20 May 2008

source by bbc website

Almost 3,000 childcare places could be at risk if funding for school-age child care projects isn't extended after June, says children's agency Playboard.

The projects provide parents with affordable childcare in 57 centres across Northern Ireland.

They had been funded through the Department of Health until 2006, when they became the responsibility of the Department of Education.

Playboard said neither department had sought more funding for the projects.

Jacqueline O'Loughlin, chief executive of Playboard, said neither department had sought continued funding for the projects.

"We cannot get any resolve on this issue. I have made representation to the minister of education, the minister of health and senior officials," she said.

"Although they are very sympathetic to the issues, I feel I am getting the run around. I am taking some sort of positive action to resolve this issue before we see the decimation of childcare services in Northern Ireland."

On Monday, the NI Executive was urged to prioritise the provision of good quality, affordable childcare in Northern Ireland.

A poll by the Northern Ireland Childminding Association indicated parents in rural areas were the most likely to have childcare problems.

Childminders

Some 81% wanted ministers to tackle an ongoing shortage of childminders.

Mandatory basic training for registered childminders in Northern Ireland is being sought by 91% of people.

The poll showed 30% of parents who had recently looked for childcare found the search difficult and 17% very difficult.

Bridget Nodder, NICMA's director, said: "This survey demonstrates that childcare is regarded as a crucial issue by voters. Yet, today, the executive hasn't given childcare the priority it deserves.

"We hope that politicians will listen to the clear message that's coming from the voters and take tangible action to expand and improve childcare provision."

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