Consultation on the Draft Northern Ireland Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy

Overview

On 27 February 2025 the Northern Ireland Executive agreed the Programme for Government (PfG) 2024-2027 ‘Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most’.

The PfG includes a commitment to “provide more affordable, accessible, high-quality early learning and childcare opportunities to support children’s development and ease financial pressures for working families. This must complement existing support available through Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare. We also need to ensure that our childcare sector is stable and sustainable”.

By the end of this mandate, the aim is to “have a comprehensive Executive agreed Early Learning and Childcare Strategy in place, delivering improved outcomes for children and parents”.

This draft Strategy is the Executive’s plan for delivering on that commitment. 

Why your views matter

We encourage you to complete the online survey.

• We advise that you read the accompanying consultation documents prior to completing the online survey .
• If you have any accessibility needs, please contact the Early Years and Childcare Team at elc@education-ni.gov.uk.
• Your feedback will play a vital role in shaping the final strategy and ensuring it delivers better outcomes for children and families in the coming years.