Early learning and Childcare Strategy – targeted business support scheme - terms of reference
In May 2024, the Education Minister brought forward an Executive Paper that outlined proposals for a package of measures to support the early years and childcare sector and parents with the affordability of childcare costs. One of the proposals was to “provide emergency support to childcare providers in significant financial difficulty and in areas where demand for childcare exceeds supply”. The Executive agreed this paper.
As Childcare is rightly a priority for the whole Executive, the Department for the Economy (DfE) agreed to lead on a scoping exercise; in conjunction with the Department of Education (DE), the Department of Health (DoH) and wider stakeholders; to develop a clearer picture of any business support requirements of the childcare sector.
The findings from this exercise are in the report below:
Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support Market Research - Full Report
This Report sets out the findings and recommendations of research undertaken to determine the key issues impacting the financial sustainability of childcare providers and specific targeted business support requirements.
Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) are priorities within the Programme for Government 2024-27 and the research will help deliver ELC commitments for 2025-26 as well as informing the wider ELC strategy.
The eight recommendations within the Report will be taken forward within the existing ELC oversight arrangements and DfE will, subject to the necessary budget, take the operational lead in the design and delivery of Recommendation 1: ‘the creation of a specialised and on-going childcare business advisor role or service’.
For further information contact Giuila Ni Dhulchaointigh, Head of Economic Partnership and Delivery Division.