To ask the Minister of Education whether any work is underway to enable families with children born in July and August, who can no longer access Tax Free Childcare, to still access the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.

The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) eligibility criteria is intentionally structured to align with Tax-Free Childcare (TFC), however, work is underway to explore the feasibility of options for families in Northern Ireland with children born in July and August who no longer qualify due to TFC ineligibility. In line with agreed protocol arrangements, my officials are engaging with His Majesty Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and NICSS scheme administrators to understand the operational implications of extending NICSS eligibility in these circumstances.