A subsidy scheme to help with the cost of childcare will be extended to primary school-age children from September 2025.

On Thursday, Education Minister Paul Givan announced a £55m package of measures for early learning and childcare that will include an extension of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.

The scheme came into force in September and currently offers financial relief to households with children under primary school age.

The scheme will be extended to include children in primary school from 1 September 2025.

“This means that the working parents of school-age children will now receive the 15% subsidy, up to the capped amount, on their childcare bills,” Givan said.

“When this is combined with tax free childcare, it will provide a reduction of up to 32% on childcare bills,” Givan said.

More to follow.