Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has urged Education Minister Paul Givan to provide equal support across pre-school settings in his childcare proposals.

Mason, Sinn Féin's spokesperson on childcare and early years, highlighted the essential role of staff such as nursery assistants in children's early development.

She stated that Givan's initiative to extend free pre-school hours requires action to resolve existing funding differences between early years providers.

Mason called for uniform assistance to all early years settings to promote equity among providers and reliable services for children and families.

She emphasised that the proposals demand sufficient funding for early years education and proper staffing resources to support every child's early education.

Sinn Féin plans to engage with parents and early years employees to improve the minister's childcare plans.