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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is to generate its own ‘Childcare Employment Academy’ to support a “struggling business sector” in its district.
This week Council approved the motion also urges the Department of Education to progress a “long overdue” new childcare strategy.
The local authority itself, will look to secure the creation of training and employment in the childcare sector through its Labour Market Partnership (LMP) Action Plan.
Bringing forward the motion, Crotlieve Councillor, Selina Murphy said: “We urgently need a childcare strategy, in this council area we have a real need for more childcare spaces.
“Our local childcare businesses and minders provide a fantastic service, but are stretched. Affordable childcare must be accessible.
“However, there is no point forming a strategy that lowers the cost for parents, but puts businesses to the point of closure.
“Rising costs are already putting child-minding businesses at risk with many leaving the sector, that is why we must seek financial support for the sector.
“The childcare sector is the largest employer of women here and that also demands our attention.
“Sustainable childcare is also about recruiting and retaining sufficient staff and means improving wages and conditions as well as providing training.
“The development of a childcare strategy by the Department of Education is long over due.
“The restoration of the Executive is now imperative.”
The motion has requested the council to commit to delivering 10 new fully registered childminders by providing training to people unemployed or underemployed.
An amendment by Rowallane Councillor Terry Andrews was put forward.
It read: “This council to write to the Department for Communities to seek an assessment of the impact the lack of an anti-poverty strategy has had on families’ access to childcare over the last five years.
“Assess availability and demand for childcare in the district, to identify areas of most need.”
The amendment, however was defeated in chambers.
A council officer responded: “The report contains information about our current LMP, that is implementing a childcare employment academy in this financial year.
“There are plans to include this in our next financial year, budget permitting.
“The recommendation is for the council to write to the Department of Education urging that they progress a childcare strategy.”
