Childcare Strategy Roundtable

Belfast YMCA were delighted to host a diverse group of childcare providers including representatives from private and charity nursery settings, childminders and independent childcare workers alongside Melted Parents NI for a roundtable discussion on Childcare Strategy.

Melted Parents NI are a parent led campaign group calling for urgent childcare reform in Northern Ireland.

While this was just a first conversation, it became clear that the main issues currently faced by providers are with recruitment and retention of staff and lack of standardised regulations and support across the trusts - all of which could be addressed by a childcare strategy.

It was jointly agreed that the priority focus of a new childcare strategy should be on the children - but for it to work, both families and providers need to be included in the discussion making process.

It was fantastic to have such a productive respectful conversation and we look forward to the next meeting.

Belfast YMCA Childcare

Belfast YMCA have been providing childcare in Belfast for over 30 years. We currently care for over 190 children every week in our nursery and after school services in Stranmillis.

Our aim is to provide flexible, affordable and high quality care serving both children and parents.

To find out more about our childcare services click here.