Sinn Féin spokesperson on Childcare and Early Years Cathy Mason MLA has called for the development of the Childcare Strategy to be progressed by the Department for Education and for it to build on the Executive’s interventions.

Speaking on the issue the South Down MLA said:

“Executive initiatives such as the Childcare Subsidy Scheme have made a positive difference in making childcare more affordable.

“The development of a Childcare Strategy should be progressed by the Education Minister in order to build on these initial interventions and put in place a long-term plan to deliver high-quality and affordable childcare.

“We believe that such a strategy must meet the needs of children with special educational needs, those with physical disabilities and those who learn through the medium of Irish or who don’t use English as their first language.

“I will continue to make these recommendations to the Department and ensure that any forthcoming childcare strategy reduces bills for parents, supports struggling providers and gives our children the very best start to life.”