Fees & government support
What we charge, what the State pays, what you actually pay
1. Our fees
| Place | Hours | Weekly fee |
|---|---|---|
| Full day | up to 45 hrs (7.30am–4.30pm or 9am–6pm) | €255 |
| Extended full day | up to 50 hrs | €272 |
| Part-time morning | 8am–1pm | €160 |
| Part-time afternoon | 1pm–6pm | €150 |
| ECCE sessional | 9am–12noon, 38 weeks | Free under ECCE |
| ECCE plus lunch club | 9am–2pm, 38 weeks | €85 |
| After-School Club | school collection–6pm | €95 |
| Holiday camp week | 9am–3pm | €145 |
Booking deposit
A €50 booking deposit secures a place once we offer it. It is held against your first invoice.
ECCE deposit rule
For ECCE places, a booking deposit must be refunded once the child's ECCE registration is approved, and cannot exceed four weeks of ECCE payments.
Scheme rates and thresholds correct as of September 2026. Always confirm current rates at ncs.gov.ie and with your service.
2. The worked example
A full day place, 45 hours a week
- Our weekly fee
- €255
- Universal NCS subsidy (€2.14 × 45 hrs)
- − €96.30
- You pay
- €158.70
A full day place of 45 hours a week is €255. The universal National Childcare Scheme subsidy is €2.14 an hour for up to 45 hours — that's €96.30 a week. You pay €158.70 a week. If your household income is below the income-assessed threshold, your subsidy will be higher again.
Scheme rates and thresholds correct as of September 2026. Always confirm current rates at ncs.gov.ie and with your service.
3. The schemes, explained
Scheme rates and thresholds correct as of September 2026. Always confirm current rates at ncs.gov.ie and with your service.
How to apply for the NCS in four steps
- 1
Get a verified MyGovID
You need a verified MyGovID account before you can apply online.
- 2
Apply at ncs.gov.ie
The online application takes about twenty minutes. Have PPS numbers to hand.
- 3
Receive your CHICK code
Your Childcare Identifier Code Key arrives once your application is processed.
- 4
Give the code to us
We register it, and the subsidy is paid directly to us and comes off your bill.
Postal applications and help by phone: NCS Parent Support Centre, 01 906 8530.
Where to check for yourself
- ncs.gov.ie
Apply for the National Childcare Scheme and check your entitlement.
- citizensinformation.ie
Independent, plain-English explanations of ECCE, the NCS and other supports.
- Your local City or County Childcare Committee
Free local help with applications and finding a registered service — your local City or County Childcare Committee can advise.
- NCS Parent Support Centre — 01 906 8530
Phone support and postal applications for the National Childcare Scheme.