The Education Minister in Northern Ireland, Paul Givan, revealed the distribution of 2,500 new full-time pre-school places across constituencies, fulfilling a commitment to provide all 3-4-year-olds with 22.5 hours of pre-school education per week. This move addresses the existing disparity where only 40% of children currently receive the full 22.5 hours.
The Education Minister in Northern Ireland revealed the distribution of 2,500 new full-time pre-school places across constituencies this year. Minister Paul Givan announced in December 2024 that 77 pre-school settings would transition from part-time to full-time hours starting in September 2025. This move fulfills the Minister's commitment to provide all children aged 3-4 with 22.5 hours of pre-school education per week, addressing the disparity where 60% currently receive 12.
5 hours and 40% receive 22.5 hours. This standardization of pre-school settings is part of a £25 million investment to support children, parents, and providers in early learning and childcare. \SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin inquired about the breakdown of the new pre-school places through a written question to the Minister. On January 24th, Minister Givan confirmed his intention to bring the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy to the Executive by Autumn 2025. Ms. McLaughlin emphasized the urgency of this support for families facing financial pressures. \The strategy aims to tackle affordability, sustainability, and quality within childcare provision. Ms. McLaughlin stated, 'This announcement is an important step in the right direction. Parents and providers have been waiting far too long for a proper plan to deliver affordable, accessible, and high-quality early education childcare in Northern Ireland.' She stressed the need for a substantial funding plan to accompany the strategy, warning that without adequate resources, the strategy risks falling short of its goals. She insisted on the Executive taking decisive action to ensure the strategy benefits all parents and providers, including registered childminders. Ms. McLaughlin highlighted that Northern Ireland's childcare system remains one of the most expensive in Europe, advocating for the recognition of childcare as a fundamental part of the economic infrastructure. She concluded by stating that investment in this sector is crucial not only for the present but also for securing a brighter future for children and unlocking the economic potential of the workforce
EDUCATION CHILDCARE PRESCHOOL NORTHERN IRELAND PAUL GIVAN EARLY LEARNING SINÉAD MCLAUGHLIN FUNDING
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