Menu
22/08/2024
Almost 10,000 Children Register For Childcare Subsidy Scheme
Almost 10,000 children have been registered for the new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme within just two weeks of it opening.
The Scheme has been introduced to ease the financial pressures on households and to enable more parents to remain in or return to work.
Welcoming the uptake of the new scheme, Education Minister, Paul Givan, said: "I am very encouraged that uptake of the scheme has been so strong and that in the two weeks since parental registration opened, almost 10,000 children have been signed up to receive the 15% subsidy. The families of these children will see their childcare bills reduced from September 2024.
"I have stated that making childcare more affordable was one of my top priorities, and I am pleased that this scheme is about to deliver on that commitment for hard-working families across Northern Ireland. My intention was to have the scheme operational by September this year and am delighted that we are on track to do so."
The subsidy can be offered by registered childcare providers who are signed up to the Tax Free Childcare (TFC) scheme and can register a child below primary school age. This includes daycares, playgroups, childminders and Approved Home Childcare (AHC) providers.
The Minister continued: "I am grateful for the excellent work of our delivery agent, Early Years Organisation for helping us achieve this and to other partners who have helped to promote the scheme and support its rapid roll-out. I specifically want to pay tribute to the 1280 childcare providers, including daycares, childminders, playgroups and Approved Home Childcarers who have so far signed up to offer the scheme to their parents."
Concluding, the Minister said: "Although the closing day (20th August) has just passed for guaranteeing timely September payments, registration remains open for both providers and parents and I would encourage anyone who has not yet signed up, to do so as soon as possible. Early Years Organisation will continue to process these as they receive them."
The Scheme has been introduced to ease the financial pressures on households and to enable more parents to remain in or return to work.
Welcoming the uptake of the new scheme, Education Minister, Paul Givan, said: "I am very encouraged that uptake of the scheme has been so strong and that in the two weeks since parental registration opened, almost 10,000 children have been signed up to receive the 15% subsidy. The families of these children will see their childcare bills reduced from September 2024.
"I have stated that making childcare more affordable was one of my top priorities, and I am pleased that this scheme is about to deliver on that commitment for hard-working families across Northern Ireland. My intention was to have the scheme operational by September this year and am delighted that we are on track to do so."
The subsidy can be offered by registered childcare providers who are signed up to the Tax Free Childcare (TFC) scheme and can register a child below primary school age. This includes daycares, playgroups, childminders and Approved Home Childcare (AHC) providers.
The Minister continued: "I am grateful for the excellent work of our delivery agent, Early Years Organisation for helping us achieve this and to other partners who have helped to promote the scheme and support its rapid roll-out. I specifically want to pay tribute to the 1280 childcare providers, including daycares, childminders, playgroups and Approved Home Childcarers who have so far signed up to offer the scheme to their parents."
Concluding, the Minister said: "Although the closing day (20th August) has just passed for guaranteeing timely September payments, registration remains open for both providers and parents and I would encourage anyone who has not yet signed up, to do so as soon as possible. Early Years Organisation will continue to process these as they receive them."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 June 2024
Alliance MPs To Push For Improvements To Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
The Alliance Party has made a commitment that their MP's will push for improvements to the UK Government's tax-free childcare scheme.
Alliance MPs To Push For Improvements To Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
The Alliance Party has made a commitment that their MP's will push for improvements to the UK Government's tax-free childcare scheme.
12 August 2024
Alliance Welcomes Opening Of NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The Alliance Party has welcomed the opening of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) to eligible parents and guardians.
Alliance Welcomes Opening Of NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The Alliance Party has welcomed the opening of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) to eligible parents and guardians.
24 November 2021
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
11 October 2024
New Childcare Subsidy Saves Parents Nearly £1m
The new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has helped parents save nearly £1 million on their September childcare bills. When combined with the contributions from Tax-Free Childcare, the total savings for Northern Irish parents exceed £2 million.
New Childcare Subsidy Saves Parents Nearly £1m
The new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has helped parents save nearly £1 million on their September childcare bills. When combined with the contributions from Tax-Free Childcare, the total savings for Northern Irish parents exceed £2 million.
05 December 2023
Full-Time Childcare Now More Than £10,000 A Year In NI
The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is now more than £10,000 a year, an increase of 14% since 2021, according to a new report from Employers For Childcare (EFC).
Full-Time Childcare Now More Than £10,000 A Year In NI
The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is now more than £10,000 a year, an increase of 14% since 2021, according to a new report from Employers For Childcare (EFC).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
