Childcare: Thousands register for subsidy scheme

Ms Lewsley-Mooney said rising costs and limited budgetary support have led to the sector losing more than 50% of providers in the past 20 years.

“Our registered childminders told the education minister that the biggest issue for them is fuel and food and their insurances,” said Ms Lewsley-Mooney.

“They can’t pass that cost to parents when parents are already finding it difficult to find the money for childcare in the first place.”

The executive set aside £25m for childcare in the budget – about 6% of the estimated need.

When announcing the scheme in May, Education Minister Paul Givan promoted the funding’s potential to have a “lasting impact”.

Ms Taggart said despite the scheme being a “quick way” to help parents in need, not knowing whether this is a long-term solution is a problem.

“The fear with parents is how long this will be lasting, so we can plan forward.”

In a statement to BBC News NI, the Department of Education said: “Any decisions regarding the scheme, including an extension after March 2025, will be considered as part of the scheme’s ongoing evaluation.

“Ultimately, it will be for the Executive to decide if it wishes to allocate the funding required to continue the scheme next year – either as it is or in an expanded capacity.”