Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said the Education Minister must prioritise a strategy which makes high quality childcare affordable for all families.

Speaking following a meeting of the Education Committee, the party’s childcare spokesperson said:

“High-quality, affordable early years and childcare is absolutely essential in ensuring our young people get the very best start in life.  

“Childcare costs are currently too high and unaffordable for many, and at a time of rising living costs is adding more financial pressure to families.

 “Providers are struggling to keep their doors open due to increased operating costs and facing difficulties in recruiting and retaining workers. 

“The Education Minister must prioritise finalising a childcare strategy that delivers high quality care for our children, affordability for parents, sustainability for providers, and which values childcare workers. I look forward to an update on the strategy to the Education Committee in the coming weeks.

“The Education Minister must work with all parties, childcare providers, workers and families to deliver high quality childcare affordable and accessible for all families.”