All Party Group on Early Education and Childcare October Meeting

The Chairperson Cathy Mason MLA opened the meeting with an overview of recent developments, including the publication of findings from the independent Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum; a £6.6 million investment package for the Pathway Fund which features a new funding stream for Approved Home Childcarers; and the expansion of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme to include school-age children.

It had been expected that there would have been an update on the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy from the Education Minister. The Department of Education reported that the Education Minister intends to present a draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy to Executive colleagues in the coming weeks, with the aim of securing approval to launch a public consultation.

Regarding the consultation on Minimum Standards, it was reported by Marc Bailie from the Department of Health that there has been a significant volume of responses received to the consultation, which the Department is currently reviewing.

A detailed presentation was given by Dr Glenda Walsh, Head of Early Years Education and Doctoral Studies at Stranmillis University College, on the interim report titled Comparative Analysis of Early Years Workforce Policy in the Four UK Nations.

A further presentation on the Findings from the Northern Ireland Qualification Audit – Registered Group-Based Childcare was delivered by Jenny Adair, Childcare Partnership Manager at the Department of Health.

These presentations highlighted importance of the early years workforce and the need for greater recognition and continued development of the sector.