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14 Dec 2025

McLaughlin: Early Years providers must be supported with sustainable funding and workforce strategy

A new report by Early Years reveals a decline in pre-school playgroups across the north with the potential of 57 playgroups being lost by 2032

Sinead McLaughlin

Sinead McLaughlin.

Reporter:

Staff Reporter

23 Apr 2025 4:33 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has called for urgent action to support early years providers in the community and voluntary sector.
It follows the publication of a new report by Early Years which reveals a decline in pre-school playgroups across Northern Ireland with the potential of 57 playgroups being lost by 2032.
The report highlights the increasingly precarious situation facing early childhood education and care providers, particularly within the community and voluntary sector. It warns that the benefits of this model are not being fully recognised or adequately supported by government.
Ms McLaughlin said: “This report is a damning indictment of the state of our public services, particularly in the childcare sector. It lays bare the daily challenges facing both families and providers from severe workforce pressures to mounting regulatory and administrative burdens. Despite all of this, the community and voluntary sector continues to deliver vital early years services under growing strain.
“If we are serious about tackling the childcare crisis, then we must support the providers at the heart of it. These organisations play a pivotal role in delivering accessible, high-quality early childhood education and care particularly in disadvantaged and rural areas. Their services are not optional extras, they are essential, and their loss would have devastating consequences for children and families.
“The SDLP has consistently called for the introduction of a sustainable funding scheme that providers can subscribe to, one that ensures fair pay and improved training opportunities for staff. We also need a clear, fully-funded Workforce Strategy embedded within the forthcoming Early Education and Childcare Strategy. Without action on workforce issues, we cannot hope to recruit and retain the dedicated professionals that children and families rely on.
“The evidence is clear; the childcare sector cannot continue to operate on goodwill and short-term grants. It’s time for the Education Minister and his department to recognise the value of the community and voluntary model and invest in it properly. Our children’s futures depend on it.”

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