NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme

While we are still waiting for the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy to be published, by the Education Minister Paul Givan in the coming weeks, it is positive to see that the expansion of the Northern Ireland Childcare Support Scheme (NICSS) is progressing. Many more childcare providers are signing up to the scheme, allowing the parents whose childcare attend those facilities to benefit from valuable savings on the cost of registered childcare.

Changes to the NICSS since its inception

Originally launched in September 2024, the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme gave eligible parents of children under Primary School age a 15% discount on their childcare cost. The maximum saving per child at that time was £167 per month or £2,000 per year.

From April 2025 the savings per child were increased to a maximum of £184 per month, or £2,208 per year.

From September 2025 the scheme was expanded to also include children of Primary School age, i.e. children aged 11 and under, attending nursery, primary, or special schools.

Number of childcare providers

This expansion of the scheme to include Primary School age children has meant that many childcare providers who were previously unable to offer this valuable support have now signed up to the scheme.

A recent NI Assembly question response tells us that there are 1,924 providers of various types registered for the scheme.

As the cost of childcare remains a significant outlay for many households and is often a barrier for parents wanting to work, or to work more hours, it is vital that as many parents as possible are able access the is vital support towards childcare costs.

Further information

If you would like further advice on help with childcare costs or wish to find out more about what financial support you may be entitled to, contact our Family Benefits Advice Service for free, impartial and confidential advice.

Contact us by emailing fbas@employersforchildcare.org – we are here to help.