The £25m funding will help families in the area meet 'crippling childcare costs' and brings it more in line with the rest of the UK
All children in Northern Ireland under the age of four are to get 22.5 hours free childcare per week in the coming months. It’s the first time any free childcare has been offered to parents in Northern Ireland, and is estimated to save the average family with two children £8,000 per year.
In England, a scheme to offer all working parents 30 hours of free childcare will be fully rolled out by September next year. Currently, working parents of three and four year olds get 30 hours, and parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years get 15 hours free childcare per week.Paul Givan, Northern Ireland’s education minister, said that this would mean a significant saving for a family with two children.
‘This investment clearly demonstrates that, despite an extremely challenging budget position, the Executive remains committed to making support for young children, their families and the services they rely on, a top priority.’Mr Givan confirmed: ‘I very much welcome the Executive’s commitment to the delivery of 22.5 hours funded pre-school education for all children in their pre-school year.’
However, eligibility for the subsidised childcare scheme will depend on factors such as employment status and income.Mr Givan explained that he was aware of the financial strain many young families face. This will be paid directly to childcare providers to reduce the upfront fees for parents. It will be made available from September 2024.
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