APG on Early Education and Childcare - 12/12/24

The final meeting of 2024 for the All Party Group on Early Education and Childcare was held on the 12th December, with Early Years Organisation taking over the reins as Secretariat to the Group for the first time.

Particular thanks go to Cathy Mason MLA for acting as chair, and to Kathryn Barr, Senior Policy Officer at the Equality Commission, for her excellent presentation.

The Department of Education provided an update on the package of measures for early learning and childcare introduced this year as part of the £25m funding allocated, and planning for next steps.

The Department of Health gave an update on the proposed consultation on ratios and vetting requirements.

The Equality Commission detailed its work on raising the profile of the importance of childcare and welcomed the commitments made to develop an Early Education and Childcare Strategy.

The Commission has been highlighting the importance of childcare and early learning for progressing gender equality, and equality of opportunity for particular groups of children, including disabled children and children from minority ethnic communities. Kathryn Barr also gave an overview of a range of public policy recommendations on childcare and early learning. To view the presentation select here.

The Equality Commission can provide advice and assistance for those who feel they have been discriminated against due to a protected charcteristic (such as race, disability or sex), including in relation to accessing a childcare service. For more information, see www.equalityni.org/Individuals

They can also provide practical advice on how providers can manage the equality implications of employing and managing staff and providing services to the public. For more information, see www.equalityni.org/Employers-Service-Providers

To contact the Equality Commission, email: enquiries@equalityni.org or Tel: 028 90 500 600