Parents and childcare providers are being asked to complete a short online survey giving their views.
What is your experience of childcare in your area, and what do you think is needed to support the childcare infrastructure in Northern Ireland?
Employers For Childcare has launched the 2020 Northern Ireland Childcare Survey for parents and childcare providers.
Last year’s report revealed that parents in Co Antrim were spending an average of £149 per week on childcare.
Aoife Hamilton, Policy & Information Manager at Employers For Childcare, said they are calling on all parents and childcare providers in Northern Ireland to complete the survey.
“At a time when the newly restored Executive has identified childcare as a key priority, and has committed to publishing a Childcare Strategy, this survey provides an important platform for parents and childcare providers to share their views and have their voices heard,” she said.
“At the same time, the research highlighted the difficulties experienced by childcare providers in Co Antrim including increased costs and challenges to their sustainability.”
With a new Executive now in place, Aoife said it’s a really important time for parents and childcare providers to be heard on this vital issue.
“Work is now underway to implement the priorities in the New Decade, New Approach deal and there is a real opportunity to work with the Executive and Assembly to deliver greater investment in our childcare infrastructure. We will be using the results from the survey to ensure the experience of parents and childcare providers informs the next steps for our elected representatives and policy makers,” she added.
To share your experience of using or providing childcare, and to be in with a chance to win either an overnight stay at the Galgorm Resort & Spa or a £100 Boots Voucher, visit www.employersforchildcare.org for links to the short online surveys.