As our inbox started to fill with messages from parents and their experiences from the start of the NICSS rollout, we wanted to expand this and hear more from our Melted Parents community. Last week, we ran a series of polls on Instagram to our engaged followers to find out more.
What do the the results look like?
Firstly, we’re amazed to learn that 80% of our followers, only heard about the NICSS scheme from Melted Parents!
Secondly, the results show that in general, the NICSS will make a difference to eligible families with young children. We must ensure the NI Executive budget for and roll it out beyond March 2025 - both for currently eligible families and also wider to parents of school aged children so that the majority of families using registered childcare can avail of the subsidy scheme.
We welcome the results that 95% of parents said their providers have been receptive to registering for the NICSS.
We’ve a few queries to raise with the Department of Education (DE):
- Raising the £167 cap, as 16% percent of parents polled are hitting the NICSS cap each month.
- We’ve heard anecdotal evidence of fee rises & removal of discounts (e.g for children in full time or siblings) being removed from September onwards - we’re working to get a deeper understanding of how many families this is impacting and the reasons behind it.
- We’d like to ensure that a longer term strategy considers the needs of all parents, for example those have already left the workforce due to childcare costs, those who are students etc.
So what’s next?
- Share our learning, data and lived experience stories with DE.
- Meet with cross party politicians to ensure childcare remains a priority and build on the NICSS for more families, as well as a bespoke long childcare term strategy.
- Continue to engage with and listen to parents to ensure we’re sharing the most up to date, lived experience of families.
How you can help:
- Continue to share your positive stories, queries and any issues you’re facing.
- Log any feedback with Early Years / Department of Education or your local MLA directly.
- Parents of school aged children struggling with childcare cost/availability? Share your stories anonymously and we can use these to lobby for further support.
- Keep an eye on our socials for next steps on lobbying for support beyond March 2025 and a bespoke childcare strategy.