The Childcare Recovery Support Fund

Overview

The objectives of the Childcare Recovery Support Fund are:

1. To support the reopening of childcare provision in July and August 2020, to ensure childcare is available as far as possible for parents who need it, to support economic recovery and return to work in line with the Northern Ireland Executive Recovery Plan.

2. To provide a level of financial support to childcare providers to assist with the additional costs of operating within Department of Health COVID-19 guidance and to support their financial viability in the reopening phase, recognising that many providers may not be able to operate at full capacity.

3. To maximise the number of settings supported to reopen through the development of a simple, easy to use application process.

4. To process payments promptly to facilitate the reopening of settings as quickly as possible.

Funding Streams

The amount of funding available depends upon the childcare provision offered and the opening/operational date following endorsement from the HSC Trust.

A separate application should be made for each registration certificate held. Further information on each funding stream can be accessed through the relevant links here . Additional Guidance notes here

The scheme is open to:

1. Childminders

2. Day Care - including School-Aged Childcare (SAC)

3. Stand-Alone School-Aged Childcare

4. Playgroups (except those offering Pre-School Education Programme places only)

5. Playgroups offering Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP) places only

6. COVID-19 Bespoke Approved Home Chi