AMAZING UPDATE
We are Tusla Registered , which means you receive quality childcare at a more affordable price!
What's the National Childcare Scheme (NSC)?
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is a government programme that provides financial support to all families to help with childcare costs and early learning for their children. The NCS ensures quality childcare for your child/children through registered Tusla services, making it affordable and accessible for all working parents and guardians, including those engaged in training and studying.
Budget-Friendly rates
The NSC subside is available to all families whose children are attending any of our Sherpa Kids services in Ireland as all of our services are Tusla registered.
You can take advantage of this golden opportunity - applying for the NCS it's simple and we are here to guide you through the process. If you need any assistance with your application, contact your closest Sherpa Kids.
Find Out More
Some frequently asked questions from parents
01
Is the Sherpa Kids service eligible for the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)?
Yes, all our services are registered with Tusla and therefore eligible for the NCS. This allows us to claim subsidies, on your behalf for your childcare bill of up to €3.75 per hour for up to 17 hours for Junior and Senior infants and 12 hours for Classes 1-6. Any queries should be directed to the services Programme Co-ordinator who will assist you with your application.
02
Are you registered with Tusla?
Yes, all School Age Childcare services are required to register with Tusla as they are our regulator and inspector. We also inspect our own services at least once a year to make sure that our own stringent standards are being adhered to.
03
How to know if I am entitled to it?
Universal Subsidy: This subsidy is available to all working parents (training and studying are considered work) is not means-tested. It provides a fixed amount per hour of childcare and is applicable to children aged between 6 months (24 weeks) and 15 years.
Income-Assessed Subsidy: This subsidy is means-tested and available to families with an annual reckonable income of up to €60,000. The amount of subsidy is based on the family's income, the age of the child, and their educational stage.
You cannot get both at the same time, but if you fit in the two options you can choose which one suits best your family.
04
How many hours am I entitled to?
Enhanced Hours Subsidy: If you (and your partner, if applicable) are working, studying, or training, you are eligible for up to 45 hours of subsidised childcare per week. This means that you can receive financial support for up to 45 hours of childcare services during that week.
Standard Hours Subsidy: If you (and your partner, if applicable) are not working, studying, or training, you can still qualify for subsidised childcare. In this case, you are entitled to up to 20 hours of subsidised childcare per week. This means that you can receive financial support for up to 20 hours of childcare services during that week.
05
I am a student. Am I eligible for the NCS?
Under the NCS, any form of study or training is considered equivalent to work. This means that if you or your partner (if applicable) are studying or undergoing training, those hours are considered when determining your eligibility for the enhanced hours subsidy.
06
What’s HIVE?
The Hive is the online Parent Portal where you can apply for the NCS and approve any claims Sherpa Kids submit for you. All claims we submit for you need to be “approved” by you to be applied to your childcare bill.
07
What’s MyGovdID Account?
MyGovID is an online identity service that allows you to access online Government services in a safe and secure manner. You can create or verify your account by accessing the website: https://www.mygovid.ie/