News and Insights

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9th October 2026

Pre-School provision – 12.5 or 22.5 hours per week? Check how many hours your chosen providers will be offering

Not all pre-school providers in Northern Ireland are able to offer the same number of hours, here's why.

1st October 2026

More children to benefit from Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme

Changes announced to eligibility criteria for NICSS that will ensure summer-born children can continue to receive childcare support throughout P7

11th September 2026

Over 8,650 families in Northern Ireland now receiving support for childcare costs through Universal Credit

The support for childcare costs through Universal Credit continues to rise.

11th September 2026

17,200 families in Northern Ireland now saving money on childcare through Tax-Free Childcare

Across the UK there were 601,620 families using their Tax-Free Childcare accounts in June 2026, of these 17,200 families were in Northern Ireland, an increase of 1,780, or 11.5%

12th August 2026

New survey highlights ‘Back to School’ cost concerns

Survey highlights the escalating financial pressure on families as they prepare for the new school year. 71% said school costs are a huge financial burden 37% go into debt to cover these costs

31st July 2026

Family Benefits Advice Service at Clogher Valley Show

On 29th 2026 July the Family Benefits Advice Service was at the Clogher Valley Agricultural Show.

23rd July 2026

Has extra childcare support been cancelled out by rising prices?

Rising childcare costs could be cancelling out the additional savings that were introduced for parents through the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.

21st July 2026

Hopes raised for additional childcare support – but will it ever be implemented?

Two government announcements on increasing childcare support that could make a huge difference but we are still waiting for them to be delivered.

3rd July 2026

Why switching away from Childcare Vouchers could save you money

For most, the alternatives will now give more financial support for childcare costs than Childcare Vouchers currently do.

10th June 2026

New guidance to be issued on screen use for children aged 5–16 

Following guidance for under 5s, the Government will be issuing guidance on healthy screen use for children aged 5–16 .

8th June 2026

Home to School Transport September 2026 – Applications now open

The online applications for Home to School Transport are now open for the academic year beginning in September 2026