The National Childcare Scheme (NCS), which was launched in 2019, is my Department's key funding scheme to support parents with the costs of early learning and childcare.
The NCS has been designed to be flexible, recognising that childcare needs are different for each family. In creating a single, national scheme, it was important to recognise these differences and create a system that could respond to them without affecting Early Learning and Care and School Age service providers. For this reason, subsidies under the NCS are awarded as an hourly rate, along with a maximum number of hours for which that rate is payable. The hourly rate of subsidy illustrates to parents their level of subsidy and will not affect service operations..
Parents and providers work together to decide on the amount of childcare that is needed and can be provided. Providers continue to set their own fees, sessions and admissions policies. The NCS pays subsidies based on the hours of care agreed between the provider and the parent, up to the maximum hours awarded to the parent.
The National Childcare Scheme incorporates rules in relation to circumstances where a child leaves the service, is continuously absent from the service, or is not fully using the agreed place over a prolonged period. These rules are intended to be child-centred, fair and proportionate, clear and consistent and recognise the need for flexibility for parents. The rules reflect the realities of family life. They do not disadvantage parents or services for what would be considered minor non-attendances. At the same time, they recognise the need to protect State finances by ensuring that Exchequer funds are used to support the maximum number of families in need of financial support, represent value for money for taxpayers, and are allocated in accordance with robust and appropriate procedures.
