To ask the Minister of Education for an update on (i) the Pathway Fund budget for 2026-2027; and (ii) any engagement he has had with organisations currently in receipt of Pathway Funding, to ensure continuity of funding

The Pathway Fund is partially funded through the budget my Department receives from the Executive for the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy. Unfortunately, Executive budgets for 2026-27, including ELC amounts, have not yet been agreed. I am currently engaging with my Executive colleagues to seek their urgent agreement for the required funding.

In the absence of a final agreed Executive budget and to ensure vital services provided by the Pathway Fund are protected, I approved funding for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. I have since approved funding for a further quarter, extending support until the end of September 2026. My officials have directed the fund administrator (Early Years) to notify Pathway recipients of their continuation awards.