evidence: Government funding of childcare in Northern Ireland is different to the rest of the UK, and schemes such as the ‘30 hours free childcare’ scheme are not available here. While there is no scheme for free childcare in Northern Ireland, there is other support currently availablee for families: [...] Through our work with families, we know that many parents want to see the introduction of a ‘free’ childcare offer, similar to that which is available in other parts of the UK. We understand the attraction of ‘free childcare’ for parents who are struggling to afford childcare, but it is essential that we see a scheme developed that is unique to Northern Ireland, while taking on some of the best parts of what is available elsewhere in the UK and in other countries. [...] We also know that, for many families, childcare can be most expensive when their children are younger than age three or four, and when parents – particularly mothers – are seeking to return to work from a period of parental leave. This is why we would like to see the Executive in Northern Ireland deliver better support with childcare to all parents, not just those with children aged 3 and 4. And critically, this must also support the sustainability of childcare providers enabling them to invest in delivering quality provision and in their workforce.