As you are aware, the purpose of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is to provide financial support for parents towards the cost of their childcare with a service provider. The hours of care required are agreed between the parent and the service provider. Once agreed, then the hours claimed under NCS should reflect this arrangement.

It is important to note that the child should only be registered on NCS for hours that they require and intend to be present in the service. In particular, NCS subsidised hours cannot be claimed for hours that the child is in education (i.e. ECCE or school).

For ECCE and school-age children, NCS subsidised hours can only be claimed in the following scenarios during term time:

  •  childcare used before preschool or school starts in the morning (e.g. a breakfast club)
  •  after-school childcare

Children may attend for additional hours on school closure days.

Confirmation of your compliance with the rules above can be reviewed as part of compliance inspections. Services are therefore advised to have details of school calendars and school opening/closing times on file for school-age children who attend their facility.