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This article explains how government-funded childcare hours work in Northern Ireland, how parents can access funded childcare in Northern Ireland, how it can be used and how to apply.
Government-funded childcare hours work differently in Northern Ireland when compared to the rest of the UK. Schemes such as the 30 hours free childcare are not available in Northern Ireland but parents of three and four-year-olds can get help through the Pre-School Education Programme.
Northern Ireland 12.5 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds
In Northern Ireland, all three and four-year-olds are entitled to 12.5 hours per week of free pre-school education in their immediate pre-school year. This is at least 12.5 free hours per week during term time. The universal free childcare for 3-4 year-olds of 12.5 hours per week totals 475 hours a year.
Northern Ireland’s Pre-School Education Programme aims to ensure children receive quality early years education and encourages their social, physical and mental development while helping them to prepare for school (Primary One).
Although not compulsory, parents can only use the funded hours to secure a pre-school place for 2.5 hours per day, five days per week during term time (38 weeks).
This means there is little flexibility and does not enable working parents to access childcare in the same way as the 15 and 30 hours free childcare hours do in England, Wales and Scotland.
The funded Pre-School Education Programme places can be used in the following early years settings:
- Nursery schools
- Primary schools with nursery units
- Voluntary and private pre-school providers
The funded pre-school places are available for every child but parents must apply.
Pre-School Education Programme: How to apply for a funded pre-school place
To apply for a pre-school education place, go to the Education Authority website to complete the steps.
The application portal opens well in advance and each pre-school has its own admission criteria. If a nursery school receives more applications than they have places, they use the criteria to decide who to offer places to.
This means you should make sure that your child fulfils the admission criteria of the settings you apply to.
Each setting must publish its admission criteria, which could include:
- Priority given to eldest child/only child
- Priority given to children whose siblings are enrolled at the setting
- Priority given to children living in close proximity to the setting
It is recommended to list at least four settings in order of your preference as your first choice is not guaranteed.
If your child is under the age of 2, you cannot make an application for a pre-school place.
Free childcare for 2-year-olds in Northern Ireland
Although two-year-olds are unable to access the 12.5 hours of free pre-school per week, the Sure Start programme may be available.
The Sure Start programme supports parents with children under the age of four living in disadvantaged areas of the country. Sure Start aims to enhance the life chances for young children growing up in disadvantaged neighbourhoods and provide equal opportunity to early learning and childcare.
Through the programme, parents can access a range of services from fathers’ groups to play sessions for babies and young children.
To find out more about Sure Start, click here.
Help with paying for childcare
In addition to the funded pre-school places, working parents in Northern Ireland can get help with paying for approved childcare, meaning the provider is registered and inspected by their local Health and Social Care Trust.
Approved childcare includes:
- Nursery
- Childminder
- Play scheme
- Home childcarer
- School registered to provide childcare
Tax-Free Childcare
Working parents with children under the age of 12 (under 17 if they have a disability) can receive up to £2,000 a year per child to pay for childcare (up to £500 every three months).
For a child with a disability, you can receive up to £4,000 per year, or £1,000 every three months.
This is done by setting up a childcare account online which is then used to pay your provider. For every £8 you pay into the childcare account, the government adds £2.
For more information, visit our Tax-Free Childcare section.
To explore other ways to get help with childcare costs, please see our Nursery fees advice.
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