NICSS
Childcare Subsidy Scheme reduces costs for working families across Northern Ireland
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has published administrative data from the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) for the period 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, highlighting its impact in reducing childcare costs for working families.
Launched in September 2024, the scheme to date has supported working parents who are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) and have at least one child below primary school age using childcare. The Childcare Subsidy Scheme provides a 15% saving on eligible childcare costs, with Tax-Free Childcare offering an additional 20% reduction.
The data published today shows the average monthly childcare cost for those registered for the scheme after the NICSS and TFC reductions have been applied is just under £400 per month, reflecting the fact that most parents are using part-time provision.
Read the full publication on the Department of Education’s website below -