Almost 7,500 children in County Kildare received childcare subsidies under National Childcare Scheme — Minister

Almost 7,500 children in County Kildare have received childcare subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).

That's according to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman.

The Green Party politician today called on all parents in Kildare who are using Tusla-registered childcare services to make sure that they are getting their 'full entitlement' to subsidies, which could cut thousands of euros off their childcare bills each year.

7,444 children across Kildare received subsidies towards the cost of their childcare under the NCS in 2023, with more than €13 million paid to early learning and childcare providers in Kildare to reduce parents’ fees.

Elaborating further on the matter, Minister O'Gorman said: "With the Easter holidays approaching, many families will be looking for further childcare cover.

"While thousands of parents are receiving subsidies, many will be unaware they can use their subsidy for more hours than usual during mid-term and holidays, or even to cover one-off camps.

He continued: "There are almost 4,000 providers across the country eligible to receive your subsidy."

"I would strongly encourage all parents or guardians to talk their provider about their subsidies and extra hours over the holiday period if needed."

"Parents who want to explore using a childcare provider for the first time can talk to their local County Childcare Committee," Minister O'Gorman concluded.

DON'T MISS: This week's LEINSTER LEADER is in shops and online at www.leinsterleader.ie!

All you r local Kildare news!

The Department explained that, currently, the minimum hourly subsidy is €1.40 an hour, and it will be increasing to €2.14 in September. 

This will mean families using full time care (45 hours a week) will receive a minimum of €5,000 euro a year off their bill per child.

Many families can receive an Income Assessed Award, which is based on household income, which can be as high €12,000 per year for those using full-time care.

Families who would like to know if their childcare provider is registered for the NCS can access the Childcare Search Service on the NCS website, at www.NCS.gov.ie, where they can also see the providers’ fees list.

Families will also find information on how to apply for the NCS, and families who want some more support in how to apply can contact the Kildare County Childcare Committee (KCCC).

Childcare Committees are a local government funded support designed to help families access childcare supports.

Extension proposed to machinery repair / office building in South Kildare

A planning permission application is currently with Kildare County Council

Learner driver who drove away from garda checkpoint on the wrong side of the road arrested

The learner driver attempted to drive away from a garda checkpoint on the R445 in Kildare

'A HUGE BENEFIT'

Louise Quinn from KCCC also gave her thoughts in relation to the announcement delivered by Minister O'Gorman.

She said: "The NCS has been a huge benefit for children and parents in Kildare availing of Tusla Registered Childcare Services including our two Tusla Registered Childminders in Kildare.

"The KCCC team has fluent Ukrainian, Russian and Spanish speakers and KCCC website has a multi-lingual tool, supporting all families to gain information on how to access childcare and education services and information on childcare subsidies/schemes."

Ms Quinn added: "Anyone with any questions about the NCS is welcome to contact us by phone on 045 861 307, or by email at info@kccc.ie for support and information on Monday to Friday 9amto 5pm.
 
"The Scheme Administrator, Pobal, also runs a helpline to provide support and guidance to parents in relation to the NCS."

"The Parent Support Centre can be contacted on 01 906 8530 - Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm," she concluded.

EVENT

In addition, for families from County Kildare planning a trip to Dublin, the team from the Department, as well as County Childcare Committee members from across the country will be at the Pregnancy and Baby Fair in the RDS on March 23 to March 24 to speak to parents and expectant parents about childcare.

For those who may be interested, the Department and County Childcare Committee members will be present at stall G9.