To ask the Minister of Education (i) what preparation she has carried out to deliver 30 hours free childcare per week; and (ii) when this policy will be introduced.

I made a Ministerial Statement to Assembly members on 7 September 2022 announcing an expanded and standardised offer for every child in their pre-school year of a minimum of 22.5 hours pre-school education per week, as a core component of an Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.

This is a vital first step to ensuring equality of provision for all children aged 3-4. Further proposals, including for other age groups and additional hours, will be considered as part of the ongoing development work on the wider Strategy. A Review of Childcare Services in NI is already underway and will provide essential evidence to inform this work.

I confirmed my intention to bring costed options for Executive consideration in March 2023. Ultimately, the publication of a draft Strategy for consultation will be subject to Executive consideration and approval, including a commitment to additional and sustained funding for childcare.