The scheme is being delivered as part of a range of measures aimed at supporting children, parents and providers with early learning and childcare in 2024/25, with NICSS reducing the cost of childcare for eligible parents by 15%.

The Strangford MLA has said: "I am delighted to see the opening of the Parent / Guardian Portal for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme and would encourage all eligible parents to register in order to access this support.

"When the Executive was restored earlier this year, it was clear that childcare was a key priority for all parties and it is welcome to see action being delivered on this issue. Parents have been consistent in highlighting the need for support with rising costs for childcare and I’m sure that this will be welcomed by many.’ 

"In October of last year Alliance published our proposals for affordable childcare and it is welcome to see some of these come to life through the Childcare Subsidy Scheme. In developing our proposals, we met with a variety of academics, providers and parents who all know of the challenges first-hand. I would like to pay tribute to the work of the sector which has helped to make this scheme a reality.

"Those eligible must register by 20 August in order to be processed for a subsidy in the September cycle of the scheme, and to ensure they don’t miss out on the earliest possible access to the subsidy."