Hello,
We’re a 3 month old campaign group in Northern Ireland. We set up when it was announced that 30 free hours childcare was being rolled out to all children over the age of 9 months.
In Northern Ireland parents have significantly less support (tax free allowance, capped and 12.5 hours pre school for 3/4 year olds - but 2.5 hours a day means parents using paid childcare are paying for a full days childcare as well as pick up and drop off fees meaning using the pre school hours can cost more).
Our government receives funds for the 30 free hours English parents currently received via the Barnett Consequential Agreement. But our government don’t currently spend this on childcare as we’ve no childcare strategy despite this being promised for over a decade.
Parents are at complete crisis point with working families paying thousands on childcare with no plan in place by our government to support parents to be able to afford to stay in work.
Our campaign has gained traction and we’ve 8k followers across social media, met with most of our major political parties, we’re mentioned in the houses of common, met with business CEOs, held events and met with the inspiring CEO of Pregnant then Screwed.
If you’re a parent in NI or a parent who left NI please follow us!
We’d also love to do a story on a 30 free hour bill in England va the cost of a 30 hour bill in NI. If you’re willing to send a screenshot of your bill (with your personal details removed!) please send us a message on Instagram. Thank you!Melted Parents instagram