Hopes & Dreams launches Early Years Support Fund
A nursery group on the Island is offering financial support to families whose children are too young for government's Childcare Credit Scheme.
Hopes & Dreams Childcare Group is launching an Early Years Support Fund which could provide up to £3,000 worth of care from September.
It will help parents with children aged between two and three who attend one of its nurseries for at least three school days a week.
“We believe high-quality childcare should be accessible to as many families as possible. Supporting children during their earliest years benefits not only families, but our wider community as well.” - Gary Peirce (Director Hopes and Dreams)
Director Gary Peirce said: "We welcome the government’s continued investment in Childcare Credit and the additional support this will provide to many families.
"However, eligibility depends on a child’s date of birth meaning some younger children are not yet eligible for support.
"We know that families can face a significant gap between their child’s second birthday and the point at which Childcare Credit becomes available.
"The Hopes & Dreams Early Years Support Fund is our way of helping bridge that gap and supporting families during those important early years."
Gary told Manx Radio the group felt it was only right to try and help in the current financial climate:
The support automatically ends once a child becomes eligible for Government Childcare Credit.
Government Childcare Credit will increase to £4,428 per year from September 2026 for eligible children.
Relatives seeking clarity over potential plans to relocate dementia patients
MHK calls for action over 'atrocious' road signage
Administrative error leaves planning appeal decisions open to legal challenge
Cruise passengers affected by downed railway lines
First candidate declares for Douglas East