AQW 48091/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education for an update on any plans for the ongoing funding from his Department for Tiny Life, when the current funding extension expires at the end of June 2026.

Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 8 June 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • Priority
Tabled
8 June 2026
Answer due by
11 June 2026
Answered
11 June 20263 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
Yes

Answer

While the Budgets for 2026-27 or subsequent periods have not yet been agreed by the Executive, current indications are that my Department will have a significant resource funding gap in 2026-27, including in respect of funding for the Executive’s Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.

Further funding for TinyLife will be considered in the context of the final allocation of Earmarked Executive funding for the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, and wider financial pressures.

Official sources