Givan announces increase in funding for non-statutory pre-school providers in Northern Ireland

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 09:52

Education Minister Paul Givan has announced increased funding for part-time non-statutory pre-school education providers participating in the Department's Pre-School Education Programme. The increase is aimed at addressing the financial pressures in the non-statutory pre-school sector including those resulting from increases in the national minimum and living wage rates, rising utility costs and increased employers' National Insurance contributions. The funding rate...Request free trial

Education Minister Paul Givan has announced increased funding for part-time non-statutory pre-school education providers participating in the Department's Pre-School Education Programme.

The increase is aimed at addressing the financial pressures in the non-statutory pre-school sector including those resulting from increases in the national minimum and living wage rates, rising utility costs and increased employers' National Insurance contributions.

The funding rate for part-time non-statutory pre-school education providers has been increased to £2,550 per pupil per year, with effect from 1 September 2024. The current rate is £2,200 per pupil per year.

Approximately 6,400 children currently attend non-statutory pre-school settings and will benefit from the increase in the funding rate.

Announcing the increase during a visit to Jolly Pirates Pre-School in Lisburn, the Minister said: “I recognise the valuable contribution made by early years education providers in ensuring all children get the best possible start in life. I appreciate that the current financial climate has created specific pressures for the non-statutory pre-school education sector, and I have sought to respond to these within the budget available.

“Today's announcement demonstrates my ongoing commitment to support the early years and pre-school education sectors at a time when the wider public expenditure climate is extremely challenging.”

The increased funding will help to ensure that the sector is stabilised ahead of the continued roll-out of the Department's Pre-School Education Standardisation programme. The standardisation programme aims over a period of time to offer full-time (22.5 hours per week) for all 3-4 year old children as part of the development of an Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.

Notes to editors:

All non-statutory pre-school settings will therefore receive the new funding rate for the period 1st September 2024 until 31st March 2025 and it is anticipated that settings will receive back payments based on the new rate in their December payment.