How Northern Ireland's Childcare Subsidy Empowers Working Families

Education Minister Reveals Impact of Childcare Subsidy Scheme

The Education Minister has released data regarding the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme, demonstrating its success in alleviating childcare costs for working families. Launched in September 2024, the scheme has provided crucial support to parents eligible for Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) with young children. This initiative offers a 15% saving on eligible childcare expenses, complemented by an additional 20% reduction through Tax-Free Childcare. The recently disclosed figures indicate that the average monthly childcare expenditure for participating families, post reductions, is approximately £400 for part-time care and £739 for full-time daycare. Furthermore, only a small fraction of children exceeded the subsidy cap during a specific period, signifying widespread benefits for registered families. In acknowledgment of rising costs, adjustments have been made to enhance the scheme's effectiveness. Looking ahead, the scheme is set to expand its support to include school-age children from September 2025. The positive impact of the Childcare Subsidy Scheme reflects a pivotal lifeline for numerous families in Northern Ireland, as the Minister emphasizes the importance of accessible and affordable childcare in the region.