Important Change in NCS Hours Available to Parents from 7 September 2020
Additional funding was secured last year under Budget 2020 for enhancements to be made to the National Childcare Scheme. From September 2020, the maximum number of subsidised hours available to families will increase from 40 to 45 hours per week.
In addition to these 5 hours, the maximum “wraparound” hours for primary school children will also increase by one additional hour. From September 2020, children in Junior and Senior Infants can avail of up to 23 wraparound hours per week in term time (previously 17), and children in 1st to 6th class can avail of up to 18 wraparound hours per week in term time (previously 12).
| Child’s Educational Stage | Current Term Time Hours | Current Non-Term Time Hours | Post 7th September 2020 Term Time Hours | Post 7th September 2020 Non-Term Time Hours |
| Preschool | 25 | 40 | 30 | 45 |
| Junior to Senior Infants | 17 | 40 | 23 | 45 |
| 1st to 6th Class | 12 | 40 | 18 | 45 |
| Post Primary School up to 15 years old | 10 | 40 | 15 | 45 |
For new awards, these hours will already be reflected in the award.
For existing awards, the hours will be added onto the award during August, which will create a new segment from 7th September 2020 with the new hours. Applicants will receive a notification when this has been applied.
For applicants who wish to use the additional hours, and where the additional hours are agreed between the provider and the applicant, the Service Providers will need to update.
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