Boost for parents as extra daily hour of free pre-school attendance could be on way in Budget 2026
Briefly

A proposal is underway to extend free pre-school attendance by one hour daily in Budget 2026. This change would provide substantial savings for parents, potentially amounting to €1,900 per child for those utilizing the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The initiative aims to support young families with affordable childcare, enabling easier access to early education services and alleviating financial burdens for parents of pre-school-aged children.
An additional hour of free pre-school attendance is being considered, which could save parents up to €1,900 annually for each child enrolled in the ECCE programme.
The proposed plan aims to provide an extra hour each day in pre-school, representing a significant financial benefit for families relying on childcare services.
Read at Independent
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