At present, childcare providers are reporting delays of up to eight weeks before new staff receive clearance to begin work. Unlike schools, where new employees are permitted to start under strict supervision while vetting is completed, registered childcare providers are forbidden from allowing staff to commence employment until full clearance is granted.

This disparity is leaving many providers unable to fill staffing gaps, with some being forced to reduce capacity or turn children away. Ms Lockhart has warned that the situation is placing unnecessary strain on working families and undermining government commitments to expand childcare provision.

Speaking on the issue, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“Childcare providers across Northern Ireland are reporting delays of four to eight weeks in securing AccessNI clearance for new staff. During that time, they are unable to bring recruits into the workplace, even under supervision.

This is leaving providers understaffed and in some cases unable to accept children, placing pressure on families who rely on these vital services to work.

What makes this even more frustrating is that schools are permitted to allow new employees to start work under supervision while vetting is being processed, but childcare settings are not afforded that same flexibility.

I have written to the Justice Minister and the Finance Minister seeking clarity on the current average waiting time for AccessNI checks, and calling for a review of the system to ensure childcare providers can operate under the same supervised-start model as schools.

At a time when government is talking about supporting working families and expanding childcare provision, it is unacceptable that bureaucracy is holding the sector back. I urge both Ministers to act as a matter of urgency.”