Only five per cent of children in Fermanagh and South Tyrone have been registered for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICCS), according to the latest figures from the Department of Education. The scheme, which launched earlier this month, aims to provide a 15 per cent subsidy on childcare costs for children below primary school age.
The provisional data shows that 632 children across this area have been successfully registered and approved for the scheme as of September 9 2024. However, uptake in Fermanagh and South Tyrone has been notably low, with just five per cent of eligible children signed up.
Education Minister Paul Givan announced the £25 million scheme in May, part of a broader package of support for children, parents, and childcare providers. The NICCS will run until the end of the current financial year in March 2025, offering financial relief to working parents using registered childcare services.
The Department of Education is continuing to refine the scheme, engaging with representative bodies and parents’ groups to gather feedback. The subsidy is intended for parents who qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, with the 15 per cent subsidy paid directly through registered childcare providers.
Work is ongoing to encourage greater participation, particularly in areas, such as this one, with lower registration rates.
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