BELFAST — The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has been confirmed to continue into the 2026‑27 financial year, providing ongoing support for working families across the region, according to multiple news outlets covering the announcement.
Education Minister Paul Givan announced that the scheme will remain in place from 1 April 2026, following its launch in September 2024 to help reduce the cost of childcare for eligible working parents. The scheme currently offers a 15% reduction on childcare costs for parents registered for Tax‑Free Childcare (TFC) with children aged 0–11.
To ensure that rising childcare costs do not diminish the subsidy’s effectiveness, the subsidy cap — the maximum amount parents can claim per child per month — will be increased by 10% from April 2026. Additionally, the administrative payment given to participating childcare providers will be raised to help them manage their own increasing operating expenses, the report noted.
A local news outlet also highlighted comments from Givan, who said the scheme “has helped ease the financial burden on thousands of parents,” saving eligible families more than £25 million since its launch. When combined with TFC, the total estimated savings for working families could exceed £50 million. The Minister emphasised that although the final Executive budget for 2026‑27 has yet to be agreed, NICSS remains a priority support measure.
The scheme continues to be delivered by registered childcare providers participating in the Tax‑Free Childcare programme, including day‑care centres, playgroups, childminders, primary schools, and Approved Home Childcare settings. Early Years — the organisation for young children — administers NICSS on behalf of the Department of Education.
Local commentary on family support also points out that since September 2025, the NICSS has been expanded to include children of primary school age (up to 11 years old), widening eligibility and allowing more families to benefit from the childcare subsidy.
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