To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister if recent meetings of the cross departmental working group on childcare have resolved the dispute between Departments regarding school age child care.

The report produced by the cross-departmental group on childcare reviewed the economic and social benefits of childcare along with changing policy positions of departments as these have evolved over time. The report found that an integrated platform of care and education delivery was an effective context in which childcare is provided. The strategic options for the future delivery of childcare will depend on the outcome of an economic appraisal and consultation process following which Ministers will take decisions regarding the most appropriate way forward. This report was presented to the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People on 18th June.

Ministers discussed the report and asked for further work to be taken forward through an economic appraisal of a range of strategic options. This will form the basis of a draft childcare strategy which will be subject to public consultation. It is expected that the economic appraisal work will be completed by the end of 2009 and that decisions will be made on the way forward including departmental responsibility.