Chief executive Jacqueline O'Loughlin said extended funding was needed for the 2,800 places in 57 out-of-school projects across Northern Ireland. They are supported as the School Age Childcare Projects through the Executive Children's Fund, which is is set to end in June. Responsibility for an extension has now fallen to the Department of Education.
'This funding initiative supported those families in the poverty and benefits trap who were unable to source affordable childcare,' said Ms O'Loughlin. 'We have been in discussions for months now with various departments on this issue, but have been shifted from pillar to post, with no department taking responsibility. This shows a worrying lack of joined-up thinking on an issue which should be one of the Executive's top priorities - the provision of childcare.'
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