In a few weeks’ time we will be launching the new National Childcare Scheme, sometimes referred to as the NCS. In March the Minister signalled a target timeframe of Oct 29th for the launch.
The IT system for the Scheme is built and is being piloted at the moment. It is the objective of any pilot to identify any potential snags and a minor snag has been identified. This means that the scheme will now open for applications in November. Payments to parents, as previously advised, will still flow from November.