National Childcare Scheme

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) makes special arrangements for vulnerable children and families to be referred by certain sponsor bodies so they can receive free childcare. Tusla is one of five sponsor bodies that can make a referral. Each sponsor body has specific criteria for making these referrals.

Who can Tusla refer?

Tusla may refer children from birth to 17 years to the NCS where there is an identified need for childcare on child welfare, child protection or family support grounds

Children referred to the Scheme by Tusla must be in one of the following categories:

• Children who are aged from birth to 17 years, and who are in need of additional care and protection as part of the provision of childcare and family support services by the CFA.
• Who are deemed by the CFA to require childcare services in order to promote their welfare
• Children whose families are receiving support under Meitheal
• Children known to the child protection system (level 2 or level 3)
• Children in care. 

The person working with you from Tusla will fill out a referral form for you which will be sent on to the Scheme for hours to be arranged.

For general information on the Scheme please visit www.ncs.gov.ie or call the NCS Parent Support Centre on 01-9068530.

Please note that even if your child does not fall within the categories set out by Tusla or another sponsor body, you can still make an application yourself for support through the Scheme by visiting www.ncs.gov.ie.