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) has 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 will determine whether specific government intervention is required to support/sustain the sector and, if so, what form this should take.
A DfE led Working Group has been established to take this work forward and the Group has commissioned Innovation and Consultancy Services to carry out the necessary Market Research.
Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference for the Research can be viewed here
The Terms of Reference provide for a report being submitted with all accompanying evidence and analysis by the end of December 2024. This deadline has subsequently been extended to 31 March 2025 to allow for a more comprehensive assessment.
For further information contact Michelle Scott, Head of Economic Partnership and Delivery Division