New £4,166 Childcare Credit to Support Early Education for Isle of Man Families
Isle of Man's Government Extends Childcare Support to Younger Children.
Relocating to a new home often comes with numerous considerations, especially for young families. The Isle of Man is committed to providing a supportive environment for families, and a recent update to the Childcare Credit Scheme is a testament to this dedication.
The updated Childcare Credit Scheme 2024 replaces the Pre-School Credit Scheme and aims to provide more extensive support for parents of children in early years education and childcare. Now, eligible parents of children who turn three or four in the academic year in which they apply will qualify for a universal credit of £4,166 per child per year. This credit can be used with a government-registered childcare provider, giving parents more flexibility and support in their child's development.
Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:
‘The scheme is a key part of Our Island Plan, which aims to ensure children have the best possible start in life, including equal access to early years’ education and childcare. It is also a key part of the Childcare Strategy and one of the many ways Government is helping working families.’
Sarah Maltby MHK, Political Member for DESC, added:
‘A child's early years build a strong foundation for their future development – so access to an additional supportive environment during their formative years can help with development of important cognitive and social skills, which are the foundations of lifelong learning.
‘Increasing the provision to now include children at an earlier stage may help identify and address any developmental delays or learning difficulties early on, ensuring that all children receive the support they need to give them the best chance to thrive.’
A full list of FAQs for parents will be published on the DESC website shortly and applications for the scheme will open at the end of May.