A number of consultations relevant to early education and childcare have been open recently which provide an opportunity for parents and carers to learn more about issues which affect them.
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30th June 2025
NI Assembly – Education Committee Meeting 9 April 2025
A briefing paper was provided in advance and representatives from a number of Sure Starts including Joy Poots, Mervyn Bell, Siobhan Meehan, Tracey Ripley-McElvogue and Penny Ambrose were invited.
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30th June 2025
Childcare for All?
The continued absence of the new Early Learning and Childcare Strategy is failing the sector, failing parents, failing employers and – most importantly – failing children.
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23rd June 2025
NISRA Childcare In Northern Ireland 2024 Survey – Published May 2025
The survey was commissioned by the Department of Education and is part of the commitment to collect more robust and comprehensive data on the sector.
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18th June 2025
Over 15,600 families in Northern Ireland now saving money on childcare through Tax-Free Childcare
More families now using Tax-Free Childcare to help with their childcare costs
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21st May 2025
Statutory Neonatal Care Leave and Pay — Northern Ireland parents missing out
Eligible parents are those who are the baby’s parent or partner of the baby’s mother, and have caring responsibility for the baby, and who meet the employee criteria.
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20th May 2025
Don’t miss out on Child Benefit for older children
Parents can claim child benefit for children aged 16-19 still in education or training
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20th May 2025
Have you planned your summer childcare?
With brighter nights upon us, many working parents are starting to think about their summer childcare plans.
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19th May 2025
Apply now for free childcare in England
Parents in England must apply by 31 August for free childcare starting in September 2025
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15th May 2025
NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme to be extended to cover Primary School-age children
Education Minister Paul Givan has recently announced a £55 million package of measures for early learning and childcare