Financial Advice for Parents

At Spraoi and Sonas, we aim to provide the highest standard of childcare that is affordable for families. We offer a range of funding programmes for families to make it as easy as possible to manage your finances when it comes to the cost of childcare in Ireland. For more information and advice on our financial supports, read below.

ECCE- the Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme

The Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme provides 2 years of free pre-school education. To qualify for this scheme your child must have reached the age of 2 years and 8 months by the beginning of the school year. This scheme covers the cost of programmes that take place for 3 hours per day, 5 days a week, 38 weeks of the year. The ECCE Scheme is not means-tested and is available for all children of pre-school age. Spraoi and Sonas Early Learning Centres is delighted to participate in this scheme for all qualifying children.

NCS- National Childcare Scheme

The National Childcare Scheme provides supports to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years who attend a participating Tusla Registered childcare service. Universal Subsidies are available to all families with children under three years old. They are also available to families with children over three years who have not yet qualified for the ECCE scheme. This subsidy is not means tested and contributes to the cost of a childcare place for up to 45 hours per week.

Income Assessed Subsidies are available to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years. This subsidy is means-tested and will be calculated based on your individual circumstances. The amount of funding that each family will receive will vary depending on the level of family income, your child’s age and educational stage, and the number of children in your family.