PlayBoard NI, in partnership with the Childcare Partnerships, will host a landmark regional conference entitled “School Age Childcare: The Journey – The Future” on Friday 26th September 2025 at The Hill of O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon.
The conference will bring together practitioners, leaders, managers, and providers from across the play-based School Age Childcare (SAC) sector. Delegates will immerse themselves in best practice, celebrate innovation and reflect on the invaluable role the sector plays in supporting children, young people and families.
A number of high-profile speakers will examine how the sector can best respond to challenges at grassroots level while building supportive, sustainable childcare environments that foster children’s growth, development and wellbeing through play.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Alan Herron, Chief Executive of PlayBoard NI, said:
“Play-based School Age Childcare services play a critical role in the lives of children and families across Northern Ireland. Settings support working parents through quality childcare provision, enhance children’s health, wellbeing and development beyond the school day through a play-based approach and help to build stronger communities
As we look to the future, it is vital that the sector is supported and recognised as a cornerstone of childcare provision. This conference is an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and to shape a shared vision for the years ahead – one that ensures children’s play needs are placed firmly at the heart of childcare policy and practice.”
Sheena Pierce, Childcare Partnership Manager for the Strategic Planning and Performance Group who sponsored the event said
“Supporting children takes partnership between educators, families, and communities. This conference School Age Childcare: The journey – The Future is a chance to connect, learn from each other, and strengthen the collective impact of our work to support children’s development, wellbeing, and future opportunities.”
Cathy Mason MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on Early Education and Childcare who will formally open the conference said:
“I am delighted to be a part of this important conference and to pay tribute to the dedication of those working across the school age childcare and early years sector. The work they do every single day is vital, supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing, while giving parents the confidence to work and families the chance to thrive.
As we look ahead to the publication of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, it is essential that the experiences of practitioners shape the vision for the future. We must build a childcare system that is high quality, affordable and inclusive, one that recognises the incredible value of this workforce, and ensures that every child, whatever their background or need, gets the very best start in life.”
Welcoming the childcare conference, Education Minister Paul Givan said:
“I recognise the invaluable contribution to our children and young people provided through school age childcare services. I was pleased to extend the Northern Ireland Childcare Support Scheme to include school-aged childcare from September 2025 — a significant milestone in our efforts to reduce childcare costs for working families.
“The measures introduced to date are just a start and I am committed to bringing forward an Early Learning and Childcare Strategy to the Executive in the near future, which will cover the needs of children, parents and providers.”
