News and Insights

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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.

3rd March 2026

8,500 families in Northern Ireland now saving money on childcare through Universal Credit

Of the 91,940 Northern Irish households with children receiving Universal Credit, there are 8,500 in receipt of the Childcare Element, receiving support worth £4.5million each month.

3rd March 2026

What does the Chancellor’s 2026 Spring Statement mean for families?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves made her Spring Statement continuing the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ to put public finances on a sustainable path while supporting investment in public services and growth.

20th February 2026

All Party Group on Early Education and Childcare February Meeting

The Northern Ireland All Party Group on Early Education and Childcare met on 2 February 2026.

20th February 2026

Have you been on Maternity Leave – you may be due a Tax Refund

Often working parents who have recently had a baby find they have paid too much tax. This is due to the significant reduction in income that comes from being off work on maternity leave.

19th February 2026

Statutory Sick Pay – welcome changes coming in April

HMRC have recently released information on two major changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) that come in to force from 6 April 2026 through the Employment Rights Act 2025.

19th February 2026

New Support for Bereaved Parents in Northern Ireland

Changes to Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay are being introduced by the Department for the Economy NI giving additional support for those going through the death of a child.

7th January 2026

Pre-School admission applications are now open

The EA Connect portal for online applications opened at 12 noon on Wednesday 7 January 2026 and closes at 12 noon on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

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