The South Down MLA said, “Childcare is a huge financial burden for many families and this scheme aims to help reduce that and to make it easier for parents to return to work or to remain in the workforce. Within a few weeks of opening to have 10,000 children registered demonstrates the importance of this issue for parents across Northern Ireland.
The DUP will continue to seek opportunities to help working families, and whilst this scheme alone will not tackle problem of affordable childcare for everyone, it is a very welcome step forward. By working with childcare providers and with Early Years as the delivery agent it has meant that practical help has been able to be brought forward quickly following the Minister’s initial announcement.
Whilst parents who register now will not receive September payments, anyone who hasn’t signed up should do so as soon as possible.”