With families across the Isle of Man facing rising costs and limited childcare access, Julie Edge MHK, then Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, stepped up in Tynwald with a bold and compassionate vision: a national childcare strategy focused on giving every child the best start in life.
Presenting a detailed policy update as part of the Island Plan commitments, Edge delivered a clear message to government and the people of the island:
“Every child deserves access to high-quality early years education and childcare. This isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility.”
Building a Better Foundation for Families
Edge’s strategy was shaped by months of engagement with educators, childcare providers, and working families. The aim was simple yet transformative: to create a joined-up, affordable and flexible childcare system that supports every child, parent, and educator.
Key pillars of the strategy included:
- Expanding free and subsidised childcare to more families
- Enhancing training and career development for early years professionals
- Investing in modern, inclusive nursery and preschool spaces
- Establishing partnerships with private and third-sector providers to boost capacity and innovation
This move represented the most comprehensive childcare policy push in over a decade—and Julie Edge was at the heart of it.
Supporting Parents, Boosting Opportunity
In her Tynwald statement, Edge spoke passionately about the broader impact of early years support:
“When families can access affordable childcare, they thrive. Parents are empowered to work or retrain. Children enter school with confidence. And our economy grows stronger.”
Her words were not just political—they were practical. The strategy directly supported the Island Plan’s vision for social mobility and gender equity, acknowledging that childcare access is a cornerstone of both.
Real Leadership, Real Results
Julie Edge’s childcare strategy wasn’t a vague promise—it was an action plan backed by data, funding commitments, and a timeline for change. And within months of her announcement, early results were already visible:
- An increase in childminder registrations
- Pilots for enhanced wraparound care
- Greater integration between primary schools and early years providers
Edge’s leadership earned praise from across the political spectrum, with many acknowledging her drive to not only talk about change—but deliver it.
Date: 20 March 2022
Location: Tynwald Court, Isle of Man
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