Concerns are growing over “inequity” in childcare support in Northern Ireland, according to a new report.
There are calls for “urgent action” to ensure the sustainability of the school-age childcare sector in the north.
It comes after research by PlayBoard NI, an organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of children’s play, found significant challenges facing school-age childcare providers.
Among the key concerns highlighted are financial vulnerability, a growing demand for after-school places, an increase in children with additional support needs and workforce shortages that limit provider capacity.
The report, which will be launched at Parliament Buildings on Monday, calls for targeted measures to support sustainability, growth and development, while addressing the challenges facing school-age childcare providers.
Among the recommendations are the immediate introduction of funding support to ensure sustainability of vulnerable stand-alone school-age childcare providers, which have been excluded to date from the NI Executive’s expansion and stabilisation fund.
It also suggests the expansion of the NI Executive’s Childcare Subsidy Scheme and the development of a “robust regional workforce strategy” to support the professionalisation of the childcare sector.
PlayBoard NI says its recommendations, if implemented, would “support the long-term viability of school-age childcare provision, protecting its critical role in supporting children, families and communities”.
Speaking ahead of the report launch, Alan Herron from PlayBoard NI, said: “Whilst we welcome the NI Executive’s focus on childcare and the support offered to parents and providers through the Childcare Subsidy Scheme, deep concerns remain over the inequity of treatment towards school-age childcare providers and the parents of school-age children who have received no support to date.
“Findings from our State of the School-Age Childcare Sector Survey highlight that the continued absence of support for the sector is having a significant impact, with 16% of settings at risk of immediate closure and 40% at risk over the next 12 months.
“There are also ongoing cost pressures for parents and carers, with a quarter currently paying over £400 per child per month.”
He added: “Play-based school-age childcare providers deliver quality childcare and valuable play opportunities for school-aged children, contributing to improved health and well-being, education, learning, and social development.
“Without direct support from the NI Executive, settings have told us they will be unable to sustain services, which will negatively impact the development of our children and young people.”
