Lockhart Welcomes Extension of Childcare Subsidy Scheme

Carla Lockhart MP • March 19, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the announcement by Education Minister Paul Givan MLA that the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) will be extended into the 2025/26 financial year, with a 10% increase in the subsidy payment cap from 1st April. 

Speaking on the news, Carla Lockhart MP said:


“The Childcare Subsidy Scheme has been a lifeline for working parents in Upper Bann, helping to ease the financial burden of childcare costs. Since its introduction in September 2024, it has provided vital support to parents with children who have not yet started primary school, offering a 15% subsidy on childcare fees. 


Between 1st September 2024 and 21st February 2025 alone, Upper Bann has benefited from £402,350 in support through this scheme, demonstrating the real impact it is having on local families. 


The decision to extend the scheme into the next financial year is fantastic news, ensuring that this support remains in place for parents who need it. The increase in the subsidy payment cap is also a welcome boost, helping to further ease the financial strain on working families. 


Affordable and accessible childcare is key to supporting parents in work and ensuring children get a great start in life. I will continue to push for further investment in childcare support so that more families in Upper Bann and beyond can benefit from schemes like this.” 


For more details on the scheme, visit: [Education NI](https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/education-minister-announces-continuation-northern-ireland-childcare-subsidy-scheme).

Share

MP urges finance Minister to review publicly funded food procurement for schools in NI

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has criticised the Education Authority for its lack of transparency, following confirmation that halal meat is being unknowingly served in Northern Ireland schools.

Lockhart Calls for Clarity on Single-Sex Spaces

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has called on the Government to urgently provide clear guidance on the protection of single-sex spaces in workplaces, following a cross-party meeting at Westminster with nurses involved in high-profile legal cases.

Lockhart Supports Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal and Calls for Improved End of Life Care

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has pledged her support for improved palliative and end of life care services following her attendance at Marie Curie ’s Great Daffodil Appeal event in Parliament.

Lockhart Welcomes Strong Turnout for Church Funding Booklet Launch

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has welcomed a strong turnout at the launch of her Church Funding Booklet at Oxford Island, with more than 140 people in attendance from churches and faith-based organisations across the constituency and beyond.

Lockhart Welcomes Launch of ‘4ever Mums’ Initiative in Lurgan

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has welcomed the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting women and mothers in Lurgan.

Lockhart Praises Community Support During NI-Wide Hospice Collection

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has praised the generosity of the local community and the dedication of volunteers after taking part in a Northern Ireland-wide Big Bucket Collection in Banbridge in support of Evora Hospice .

Lockhart Attends Series of Community Events Across Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has spent a busy Saturday attending a wide range of community, church and charity events across the constituency.

Lockhart Honours Esther Halliday for 55 Years of Service

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to Mrs Esther Halliday from Waringstown following an extraordinary 55 years of service within the Health Trust, including more than four decades dedicated to maternity care. 

Lockhart supports call for core standards on UK food imports

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her support, calling for stronger protections for local farmers, after attending a Westminster reception hosted jointly by the NFU, RSPCA and WWF.

MP highlights need for access to tractor training courses for teenagers at CAFRE

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Carla Lockhart MP has called for urgent action to expand access to the Safe Operation of Tractors training for young people, warning that current limitations risk undermining vital farm safety efforts.