The communication to which the Deputy refers is a system notification that issues to parents and childcare providers where a child has under-attended their National Childcare Scheme registered hours for eight consecutive weeks.
It is a key aspect of the NCS that all claims are paid in arrears based on the attendance of a child and as agreed between the parent and provider. As such, the child must be registered with a childcare provider and the provider must confirm that attendance. This is a key financial and governance control to ensure we are maximising the benefits of public monies and that the investment is following the child.
In setting this requirements, my Department has provided broad rules which reflect the realities of family life. These rules are intended to be child-centred, fair and proportionate, clear and consistent and recognise the need for flexibility for parents. They will not disadvantage parents or services for what would be considered minor non-attendances.
Where a child is attending their childcare service for fewer than their registered NCS hours, a notification issues to the parent and childcare provider after eight weeks of under-attendance, informing them that unless the child begins to attend for their full registered hours, the number of subsidised hours will be reduced to reflect actual usage by the child. It is very important to note that this adjustment will not be implemented until a child has under-attended their registered NCS hours for 12 consecutive weeks.
It is then a matter for the childcare provider to agree what the fee will be based on the existing or new attendance arrangements. This includes any charge to the parent should choose not attend for an extended period. My Department does not set the level of copayment between the parent and the provider.
With regard to the viability of childcare facilities, my Department has increased Early Years funding by an unprecedented 141% since 2015. A significant proportion of this funding has been targeted at families who use community childcare services, thus assisting with the sustainability faced by some services.
For any services facing issues with financial sustainability, my Department oversees the Case Management system administered by Pobal. This service provides non-financial assistance or support in the first instance, but financial supports are also available for services facing certain challenges, following an assessment. I would encourage any childcare providers facing sustainability issues to contact their local Childcare Committee or Pobal with any concerns regarding the sustainability of their service.
