Mason calls on Education Minister to support all childcare providers and families

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has called on the Education Minister to ensure all children can enjoy the best start to life in all pre-school and early years settings.

She was speaking after concerns were raised regarding pressures facing non-statutory and community childcare providers.

“All pre-school providers play an exemplary role in giving our children the best start to life, despite the range of challenges they face,” said the party’s childcare and early years spokesperson.

“Concerns have been raised with me in relation to a lack of progress in making the Department of Education’s Pre-School Education Programme – which offers extended pre-school hours to parents and families – available to non-statutory providers.

“Despite the dedication and best efforts of workers, serious challenges remain for the non-statutory providers, including low wages, lack of job security and limited career progression. This is resulting in providers struggling to recruit and retain new workers.  

“We need to see the Education Minister take action to begin to address these issues and ensure all families and providers are properly supported, and that every child is given the tools to thrive and reach their full potential.”