NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme to be extended to cover Primary School-age children

Education Minister Paul Givan has recently announced a £55 million package of measures for early learning and childcare that will include an extension of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme to cover school-age children.

The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) gives eligible working parents a 15% reduction in their registered childcare bill.

This currently is only applicable to children under Primary School age, however from 1 September 2025 eligibility will be extended to also include all Primary School age children.

Through the NICSS parents can save 15% of their registered childcare costs, up to a maximum of £184 per child, per month, or £2,200 per year.

This scheme combines with Tax-Free Childcare which gives parents a further 20% saving on the remaining childcare costs, up to a maximum of £2,000 per year, per child, and is also for the same age group of children.

The Minister stated that the measures to be implemented in 2025-26 represent the next step in delivering the Programme for Government commitment to provide “More Affordable, Accessible, High-Quality Early Learning and Childcare”.

Also included in the announcement was further investment to expand vital early years services such as Sure Start, the Pathway Fund, Toybox, the Bookstart Baby Programme and the continued expansion of pre-school education towards the goal of providing 22.5 hours per week for all children in their immediate pre-school year, with an additional 100 settings providing the next cohort of children with a full-time place by September 2026.

Other support towards childcare costs is available

Financial support for registered childcare costs is also available through Universal Credit and Childcare Vouchers. It is advisable to seek advice before making a change to the support you currently claim to ensure that you are receiving the best form of support for your household circumstances.

To find out more about what financial support you are entitled towards your registered childcare, contact our Family Benefits Advice Service on 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.