News and Insights

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10th August 2025

Free School Meals and Uniform Grants – do not delay applying

Applications for Free School Meals and Uniform Grants are now open. You do not need to wait until the start of the school year to apply for this valuable support

23rd July 2025

NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme – applications open for Primary School age children

From 21 July applications are open for children of Primary School age who will become eligible for support through the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme from 1 September.

30th June 2025

Here comes Summer!

Accessible activities to help with the challenge of not having the routine of school days

30th June 2025

Free School Meals and Uniform Grants – Applications now open

Applications for Free School Meals and Uniform Grants so the school year starting in September 2025 are now open

30th June 2025

All Party Group on Early Education and Childcare 22 May 2025

The meeting was well attended by a range of stakeholders including elected representatives, senior departmental officials and those representing early education and childcare, and the women’s sector.

30th June 2025

Consultations – Have your voice heard!

A number of consultations relevant to early education and childcare have been open recently which provide an opportunity for parents and carers to learn more about issues which affect them.

30th June 2025

NI Assembly – Education Committee Meeting 9 April 2025

A briefing paper was provided in advance and representatives from a number of Sure Starts including Joy Poots, Mervyn Bell, Siobhan Meehan, Tracey Ripley-McElvogue and Penny Ambrose were invited.  

30th June 2025

Childcare for All?

The continued absence of the new Early Learning and Childcare Strategy is failing the sector, failing parents, failing employers and – most importantly – failing children.

23rd June 2025

NISRA Childcare In Northern Ireland 2024 Survey – Published May 2025

The survey was commissioned by the Department of Education and is part of the commitment to collect more robust and comprehensive data on the sector.

18th June 2025

Over 15,600 families in Northern Ireland now saving money on childcare through Tax-Free Childcare

More families now using Tax-Free Childcare to help with their childcare costs

21st May 2025

Statutory Neonatal Care Leave and Pay — Northern Ireland parents missing out

Eligible parents are those who are the baby’s parent or partner of the baby’s mother, and have caring responsibility for the baby, and who meet the employee criteria.

20th May 2025

Don’t miss out on Child Benefit for older children

Parents can claim child benefit for children aged 16-19 still in education or training

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