The School Age Childcare (SAC) sector is in a state of crisis with multiple factors having a detrimental impact on SAC providers and the sector as a whole. We are at a critical stage in terms of the development of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, the review of the Minimum Standards and implementation of the Department of Education (DE) budget.

Whilst we welcome the interim package of £25million allocated to the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and have received confirmation from DE that SAC settings will be able to apply for the £2million allocated to the business support scheme, there has not yet been any confirmation on what this may look in terms of its implementation. That being said, the omission of SAC from the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) and other areas of the budget is an injustice to the sector and will have a catastrophic impact on providers.

In light of these challenges, and the fact that SAC is again left at a significant disadvantage, now more than ever a united voice from the sector will be critical as we seek to shape not only implementation of the interim funding package, but the ongoing development of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and review of Minimum Standards.

The School Age Childcare Forum comes together to provide a mechanism for SAC providers to identify those issues impacting upon their services, whilst also providing a basis from which to seek to influence government policy. 

The SAC Forum, which is facilitated by PlayBoard, is now in a position to open membership to all registered providers across Northern Ireland in a bid to rally together a collective voice representing and advocating specifically for the SAC sector.

If you would like to avail of this fantastic opportunity to have your voice heard and influence the future of the sector, please email katherine.lindsay@playboard.co.uk with the following details:

  • Name
  • Position within setting
  • Setting Name
  • Type of setting e.g. stand-alone SAC / SAC connected to additional service such as full day care, community organisation, school
  • Is your setting privately owned, community interest, funded etc
  • Setting Trust Area