£10.5m child care support package 'vital' as we move out of COVID-19 lockdown says Derry MLA Gary Middleton

The scheme, announced by Education Minister Peter Weir on Wednesday, will open for applications on July 27 and will be administered by the Early Years Organisation.

Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said: “Ensuring childcare provision is absolutely vital as we seek to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the economy continues to re-open this is only possible for many people if they have available and safe childcare.

"Childcare providers face many challenges and this £10.5million package will provide valuable assistance to the sector as they re-open. It is important that this scheme is easily accessible by providers and I particularly welcome that playgroups will be included within it."

The Childcare Recovery Support package will help childcare providers to reopen, or remain open, and will apply to day care and school age childcare settings, play groups and childminders.

Minister Weir said: “Registered childcare providers offer safe and nurturing environments for children and we must do all we can to ensure these providers are supported to open and operate within current public health advice.

“My Department has developed proposals to assist the childcare sector as they begin to re-open in line with Executive economic recovery planning. This includes support for registered day care and school age settings, childminders and playgroups.

“I know that we can rely on your commitment and professionalism and I want to thank all providers for the work they do to support children and parents.

“Your continued support at this critical time will be vital in re-opening the sector and to deal with the challenges facing our society as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.”

The package of measures developed for the period July 1 to August 31 will: provide financial support to childcare providers to assist them to operate within the parameters of the Executive’s childcare recovery plan; ensure as many providers as possible can open to assist parents returning to work; and allow for the continuation of the bespoke Approved Home Childcarer Scheme aimed at enabling parents to have their childcare needs met in their own homes.

Mr. Middleton said: "I know the Minister will continue to work closely with the sector to assess ongoing challenges they face. However, this funding will be of benefit as we take another step forward in moving forward.”