Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
970. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Number 22 of 20 October 2020, if he will specifically answer the question in relation to term time when children are attending schools and the allocation of afterschool hours (details supplied); and if he will provide a copy of the specific piece of research that he is basing this new policy on. [33249/20]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme supports families not in work or study with access to childcare for hours known to be needed by children for their development, but not any additional hours.
As the Scheme promotes both child development and labour market activation, a balanced approach to eligibility for subsidies was incorporated into the Scheme to recognise both elements. It looks to support improvement of outcomes for children through poverty reduction and facilitation of labour activation. These can be achieved by encouraging and supporting work or training.
The number of NCS hours available during term time will depend on the education stage of the child, and whether the parent is engaged in work or study. Since September, the maximum number of ‘wrap-around’ hours has increased by one additional hour. As the Deputy is aware the definition of work under the NCS is extremely broad, covering all forms of work arrangement: full-time, part-time, week-on/ week-off and zero hour contracts. The study rule is also a generous one and allows parents to access up to 45 hours of childcare when completing any NFQ qualification, from level 1, for even a small number of hours per week.
The policy basis and under-pinning research for the National Childcare Scheme is set out in the Policy Paper on the Development of a New Single Affordable Childcare Scheme published in October 2016.
Of particular note with regard to children's outcomes is Melhuish, E. et al. (2015) A Review of Research on the Effects of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) on Child Development , Curriculum and Quality Analysis and Impact Review of European Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC-CARE).
This research concludes that the benefits of early care and education are, for most children, achieved with part-time participation.
I would also note that where children are not in school (i.e. during school holidays), they can continue to access childcare provision for up to 20 hours per week where one of the parents is not in work or study. In this way, stay at home parents can have a continuum of access to external child development supports through the school and through childcare provision
