Belfast YMCA responds to Childcare strategy
Belfast YMCA has responded to the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, calling for stronger support for providers as demand for childcare continues to grow across the city.
Across our two childcare sites, Belfast YMCA is registered for 178 children per day and employs a team of 40 staff. As a social enterprise provider, we see every day the difference high-quality childcare makes for children and families - but also the growing pressure on the sector.
In our response, we welcomed the ambition of the draft Strategy, particularly its focus on affordability, accessibility, quality and sustainability. But we also highlighted the rising cost of delivering childcare, with staffing, supplier and overhead costs increasing significantly in recent years.
We made clear that providers are ready to step up. Belfast YMCA is actively working towards a new childcare facility that would create 39% more places to help meet rising demand in Belfast. But expansion needs backed by real support.
We also welcomed the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme, while highlighting the administrative burden it places on providers and the need for a more streamlined approach. Our submission calls for greater recognition of the role social enterprise providers can play, alongside core support for settings that meet clear standards on quality, transparency and affordability.
As a social enterprise, Belfast YMCA reinvests any surplus back into services and communities rather than distributing profit. Much of this supports peacebuilding activity and youth work programmes across Belfast, meaning investment in our childcare services delivers wider social value across the city.
Chris Cupples, Chief Executive of Belfast YMCA, said:
“We welcome the ambition of the draft Strategy and the recognition that childcare matters for children, families and communities. Social enterprise providers like Belfast YMCA are ready to play our part in meeting demand, but if we are to expand sustainably and continue delivering high-quality provision, we need the right support in place.”
Helen Ward, Head of Childcare at Belfast YMCA, said:
“Families need childcare that is high-quality, affordable and reliable. Providers want to meet that need, but the pressures on the sector are growing all the time. We see huge demand for places, and we know how important childcare is to children’s development and to parents’ ability to work. With the right support, providers like Belfast YMCA can do even more.”
