New figures show the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) supported 27,486 children in 2025–26 across 20,210 households, with £18.4 million paid directly to families. When combined with Tax-Free Childcare (TFC), the support is estimated to have generated £38.6 million in savings for working parents.

Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the latest annual data on the scheme’s impact. Paul Givan said:

“The data published today demonstrate the significant contribution that the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme is making to eligible working families across Northern Ireland. We know that childcare costs remain a major concern for many parents, however NICSS is helping to ease those financial pressures by making childcare more affordable and contribute to supporting parents to enter, remain in, or increase participation in work"

During 2025–26, eligible families could receive up to £184 per child each month (£2,208 per year). Analysis indicates only 2.7 per cent of claims hit the monthly cap, suggesting the current limits are meeting most families’ needs. Among families with children below primary school age—when costs are typically higher—just 3.5 per cent reached the maximum subsidy.

The Minister continued: “It is particularly encouraging to see that very few families reached the maximum subsidy cap during the year. This suggests that the current subsidy levels continue to provide meaningful support across the range of childcare costs experienced for the vast majority of working parents" Administrative data also shed light on how families use formal childcare. As of April 2025, a full-time day nursery place averaged £1,210 per month, yet the average invoice submitted to NICSS by day nursery users was £683. Only 4 per cent of claims related to childcare costs above £1,200 per month, indicating many parents are not utilising full-time provision.

These patterns echo the 2024 NISRA Childcare Survey, which reported a mix of childcare arrangements shaped by affordability, working patterns, the use of informal care and the availability of other provision.

Paul Givan concluded: "The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme continues to support eligible working families.

“The extension of the scheme to school-age childcare in September 2025 marked an important step forward, while the continued concentration of support among younger children reflects where childcare costs and demand are greatest. The data highlights the ongoing value of the NICSS in helping families access the childcare they need"

The full statistical publication, with detailed tables and supporting information, is available at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-childcare-subsidy-scheme-nicss-administrative-data

Further information can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/written-ministerial-statement-northern-ireland-childcare-subsidy-scheme-nicss-administrative-data-publication