News and Insights

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4th June 2026

Free School Meals and Uniform Grants – September 2026 Applications now open

Applications for Free School Meals and Uniform Grants for the school year starting September 2026 are now open.

2nd June 2026

When ‘free’ childcare isn’t actually free!

Many parents in NI who pay for registered childcare look longingly towards England and the ‘free’ childcare that is available to working parents over there – however all may not be as it seems

1st June 2026

Is your child completing GCSEs or other school leaving exams? Don’t miss out on continued Child Benefit for 16 to 19 year olds

Your Child Benefit payment will automatically stop on 31 August unless you take action. If you do nothing the payments will stop – even if you are eligible to receive the money.

19th May 2026

Have you planned your summer childcare?

Have you planned your summer childcare? Additional childcare costs over the school summer holidays can put a significant added strain on already stretched family finances.

18th May 2026

Will new guidelines for schools mean lower uniform costs for the new school year?

School uniform costs are consistently a concern for parents, and particularly at this time when parents are budgeting for the new school year

13th May 2026

Have your say on proposed payments during school holidays for those in receipt of Free School Meals in Northern Ireland

Legislation which aims to financially support almost 91,000 children across Northern Ireland in receipt of Free School Meals during school holidays has moved a step closer.

13th May 2026

NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme supports over 28,000 children, with over £27 million paid to childcare providers.

Figures reveal that up to 17 April the NICSS has paid £27,467,065 supporting 28,122 children

22nd April 2026

Employers – ensure you complete a Basic Earnings Assessment for your employees at the start of each tax year

A Basic Earnings Assessment is needed to ensure your employees are receiving the correct amount of Childcare Vouchers in this tax year.

15th April 2026

Universal Credit two-child limit scrapped – check your entitlement

The Universal Credit two-child limit removed so that families can receive the child element of Universal Credit for all children regardless of family size.

2nd April 2026

Information Factsheets updated for the new financial year

Our library of advice and information factsheets contain a wealth of useful and updated information for parents on childcare support and work-related issues.

30th March 2026

NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme support will continue for 2026-2027

From April the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme will be continuing with a 10% uplift in the maximum support available to families.

30th March 2026

Over 16,200 families in Northern Ireland now saving money on childcare through Tax-Free Childcare

16,235 families in Northern Ireland were using their Tax-Free Childcare accounts in December 2025, this is an increase of 2,015 over the year.

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