Carla Lockhart MP Welcomes £25 Million Funding Package for Early Learning and Childcare

Crla Lockhart MP • May 28, 2024

Carla Lockhart MP has warmly welcomed Education Minister and DUP MLA Paul Givan’s announcement of a £25 million package to support early learning and childcare. This significant investment is a first os a number of steps to expand support for children and parents in NOrthern Ireland with the cost of childcare. The scheme offers all children 22.5 hours of pre-school education per week through the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.

"This £25 million package is a much-needed boost for our families at a time of financial pressures on their cost-of-living," stated Carla Lockhart MP. "It provides crucial support for young children, their families, and the dedicated professionals in the early learning and childcare sector.”


Carla Lockhart MP emphasised the positive impact on families in Upper Bann. "This funding will reduce the financial burden on working parents and ensure all children have access to quality early education. It is a crucial step towards comprehensive support for our youngest members of society and their families. Although the Education Minister is operating under extremely challenging financial constraints, this announcement shows the enduring dedication of the DUP to deliver for families across Northern Ireland.”


The Upper Bann MP welcomed the support for childcare providers included in the scheme. “It is no good running such an ambitious scheme without the places to provide. To make sure the childcare sector is able to meet the increase in demand there will be a targeted business support scheme for childcare providers with £2m initially provided this financial year for such support.”



Information on how to apply for assistance under this scheme will be released by the Department of Education in the near future via their website www.education-ni.gov.uk.


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