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New statistics reveal childcare patterns and costs in Northern Ireland

Date published: 08 May 2025

Site topics: Education and skills,  Work, pay and benefits

NISRA was commissioned by the Department of Education in 2024, to conduct a Childcare Survey of households, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Key Findings:

  • 62% of children aged 0-4 used some form of childcare, with 43% using paid childcare. 
  • Overall median monthly childcare payment was £225 per child, rising to £630 for children using 31-40 hours per week
  • Children aged 0-4 spent an average of 20 hours per week in childcare, compared to just 9 hours for children aged 5-11
  • 48% of households found childcare costs unaffordable compared to 26% who considered them affordable
  • Childcare costs were highest for children in their first two years, at or over £500 per month, dropping to £415 at age 3 and £190 at age 4
  • Regional variations showed monthly costs ranging from £136 in Causeway Coast & Glens to £288 in Belfast City and Derry City & Strabane councils
  • 86% of households with children 0-4 rated their childcare as very good or good

About the Publication:

The NI Childcare Survey 2024, commissioned by the Department of Education, was conducted between November and December 2024. The survey is one element of the commitment to collect more robust and comprehensive data from the childcare sector.

The findings are based on 5,315 household responses, providing information on 9,877 children. The survey collected data on the type and amount of childcare used, costs, holiday arrangements, financial support, factors influencing parental choices, and the impact of childcare on employment, education and training.

Further Information:

Read the full report: NI Childcare Survey Report 2024

Read an easy read version: NI Childcare Survey Report - Easy Read 

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Last updated: 12 May 2025

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