A subsidy scheme designed to help families with childcare costs will be extended to include children of primary school age starting in September 2025.
On Thursday, Education Minister Paul Givan announced a £55 million package aimed at improving early learning and childcare services. This package includes an expansion of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.
The scheme was launched in September and currently provides financial support to households with children below primary school age.
From 1 September 2025, the scheme will also cover children attending primary school.
More Families to Benefit
Minister Givan said that the number of children benefiting from the subsidy will rise by 60%. The scheme will grow from supporting 15,000 children to about 24,000.
He explained, “Working parents of school-age children will now receive a 15% subsidy on their childcare bills, up to a set limit.”
Combined with tax-free childcare, this support could reduce childcare costs by up to 32%.
Parents using full-time childcare could get up to £184 per child each month through the scheme.
The subsidy will be provided through registered childcare providers, who pass the discounts directly to parents.
Supporting Parents’ Choices
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback program, Givan said the expansion would help parents make better decisions about work and childcare.
He said, “Some parents reduce their work hours or stop working because childcare costs are too high. This subsidy will help parents balance those costs.”
A Single Mother’s Experience
Sandra McLean, a single mother, shared how important childcare was for her.
She said, “I had three different childminders for my children at different times.”
“I simply couldn’t have worked without childcare,” McLean told BBC News NI.
“I dropped my children off at eight in the morning and picked them up at six every night. It was absolutely crucial. Without that support, I wouldn’t have been able to keep a roof over our heads as a single mum.”
