Childcare is the cornerstone of a thriving, inclusive society and a critical pillar of our economic infrastructure. It is widely known that quality early years provision is inextricably linked to better life outcomes for our children.

Yet in Northern Ireland, families are under immense pressure from skyrocketing childcare costs that often exceed mortgage payments, while providers are struggling to stay afloat.

The current system is broken, and the consequences are clear: parents—especially women—are being forced out of the workforce, widening inequality, and exacerbating financial strain on households.

We cannot allow this status quo to continue. Registered childminders, who play a fundamental role in providing flexible and quality care, are stretched to their limits, and more providers are shutting their doors every day.

Despite the progress we were able to secure together on the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme, far too many families are still left out of support altogether.

The SDLP has long championed the need for a childcare strategy that delivers accessible, affordable, and quality care for every child.

Around the world, successful models—from the ambitious investment in early years in Norway and Sweden to the pitfalls of England’s free hours model—show us what works and what doesn’t.

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity with the new Early Learning and Childcare Strategy to learn from those examples and create a truly transformative system that guarantees affordability for parents, sustainability for providers, and the best start in life for all children.

This policy document outlines our vision for delivering that support now and building a childcare system that meets the needs of families and our economy for generations to come.

Claire Hanna MP
SDLP Leader