Staff at childcare projects across NI at risk of losing jobs due to uncertainty over funding

Staff working for Sure Start childcare projects across Northern Ireland are at risk of losing their jobs because of uncertainty over funding. And the child development work they carry out in our most disadvantaged communities could come to a halt, leaving families with little or no support. The schemes, which deliver services to thousands of pre-school children and their parents, are funded by the Department of Education. But it's told Sure Start managers that the funding runs out at the end of this month - with no future budget confirmed. What does this mean for vulnerable families who depend on the Sure Start services? Stephen was joined by Eleanor Jordan, chair of South Belfast Sure Start whose 50 staff have been given protective redundancy notices.