New scheme launched designed to help childcare providers make services more accessible

Two levels of funding made available to help children with AEN access early education

A new initiative to support inclusive childcare across the Isle of Man will go live from September.

The Childcare Inclusion Scheme 2025 gained Tynwald approval at this month's sitting.

It's designed to help childcare providers make their services more accessible to children with additional educational needs.

The Scheme delivers on Action Point 2 of the Childcare Strategy, which was approved by Tynwald in July 2022, and is backed by additional funding announced in the 2025/26 Budget.

It's designed to 'support working families and improve access for children with complex needs'.

Through the new Scheme, providers will be able to apply for two levels of support:

• Level One funding offers up to £468 per year per eligible child to support settings to help children with AEN access early education and childcare while enhancing the inclusivity of the setting beyond reasonable adjustments. 
• Level Two funding offers up to £8,568 per year per eligible child and is intended to provide enhanced staffing ratios and/or specialist resources to better support these children.

Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in an early years setting that understands and meets their needs.

"The Childcare Inclusion Scheme 2025 recognises that some children need more support to access early education and childcare – and that providers need the right tools to offer it. 

"This is an important step towards inclusive childcare and part of our wider commitment under Our Island Plan to create outstanding lifelong learning opportunities for all."

The Scheme will open to applications from providers in August 2025.