News and Insights

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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.

18th December 2025

Warning for workers claiming Universal Credit who are paid early at Christmas

Warning for workers claiming Universal Credit who are paid early at Christmas – Act now to try to avoid a reduction in your Universal Credit payment

9th December 2025

Is your baby due in 2026? Find out what financial support you may be entitled to with your new arrival

If your baby is due in 2026, now is a good time to find out about what financial support you may be entitled to with your new arrival. Here’s five things all new parents should know about

9th December 2025

Make sure you are getting all the support you are entitled to this festive season

With the Christmas holidays almost upon us, for many working parents this is a time of year that requires some careful planning to ensure all the bills are still paid when they should be.

8th December 2025

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

Funded Pre-School provision in Northern Ireland - 12.5 or 22.5 hours per week? Check how many hours your chosen providers are offering

8th December 2025

Information for parents on applying for a pre-school place in Northern Ireland

Admissions guidance is now available for families applying for a pre-school place in Northern Ireland for 2026-2027.

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