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Childcare report aims to cut shortfall in provision

Tynwald asked to approve 10 recommendations

Tynwald will be asked to approve plans designed to cut the shortfall in childcare places for kids aged under two years.

A report by the Social Affairs Policy Review Committee found a shortage of around 700 places on the Isle of Man.

Education Minister Graham Cregeen will ask the court to give the go-ahead to 10 recommendations following the committee's review.

He's calling for pre-school credit to be extended to childminders, further work to incentivise under two childcare provision and progress on an interdepartmental Early Years Strategy.

One of the other recommendations calls for an investigation into workplace culture, including flexible working for parents with young children.

Currently, there are only enough childcare places for 5.2% of the under 2s on the Island.

Members will be asked to approve the proposals when Tynwald sits next week.

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