Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has welcomed the £55 million investment into childcare and early years.
The party’s spokesperson on childcare and early years said:
“Today’s announcement of additional childcare support for school-aged children is very welcome, and will help make childcare more affordable and accessible for families from September.
“The extension of 22.5 free hours to an additional 2,000 children is also a welcome measure, moving to create fairer access to early years.
“While there is much more work ahead, this is a positive step forward for families.
“The Childcare and Early Learning Strategy should now be progressed by the Education Minister to build on these initial steps and deliver a long term, sustainable strategy.
“Sinn Féin will continue to work with all parties to reduce childcare costs for parents and support providers to deliver high-quality and accessible childcare and early years education.”
CRÍOCH/ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 