ECCE & NCS Funding at Little Bunnies

At Little Bunnies Montessori, we understand that childcare is a big investment for families.

We’re registered for both the ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) scheme and the NCS (National Childcare Scheme), which can help reduce the cost of your child’s place.

On this page, you’ll find a simple overview of what each scheme is, who can apply, and how we support you with the process.

What is ECCE?

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme provides free preschool for eligible children for up to two years before they start primary school.

At Little Bunnies, this usually covers a 3-hour Montessori session each morning during term time.

ECCE in a nutshell

  • Free preschool hours for eligible children
  • Covers a fixed number of hours per week (e.g. 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, term time)
  • Follows the primary school calendar (roughly September to June)
  • ECCE hours are free – optional extra hours may have a small fee

You can apply here.

Is my child eligible?

Eligibility is based on your child’s date of birth for the current school year. We can check this quickly for you.

We will usually need:

  • Your child’s full name
  • Date of birth
  • Your PPS number (for the funding application)

ECCE at Little Bunnies

ECCE places are offered across our Bray locations at Aubrey Court, Novara Avenue and Eglinton Road. Children take part in our full Montessori programme and daily routines in a warm, child-led environment.

If you need longer days than the ECCE hours cover, talk to us about wrap-around or additional hours where available.

What is the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)?

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support towards the cost of childcare.

NCS can be used alongside ECCE or on its own to help with:

  • Extra hours outside ECCE
  • Non-ECCE funded places
  • After-school care (where available)

The amount you receive depends on:

  • Your household income (for income-assessed subsidies)
  • Universal subsidy (available to most families)
  • Your child’s age and the hours they attend

You can apply directly here.

Using NCS at Little Bunnies

NCS subsidies are applied directly to your fees at Little Bunnies.

  1. You apply for NCS online using your MyGovID account.
  2. When approved, you receive a CHICK code (Childcare Identifier Code) for each child.
  3. You share your CHICK code with us.
  4. We register your child’s hours under NCS.
  5. Your subsidy is automatically deducted from your fees.

If you are unsure about any part of the process, we are happy to talk you through it.

How to Apply for NCS

Applying for NCS is done online via the National Childcare Scheme website using MyGovID.

  1. Log in to the National Childcare Scheme website. Link here!
  2. Choose either the universal subsidy or an income-assessed subsidy (or both).
  3. Submit your application with the requested details.
  4. When approved, you receive your subsidy rate and CHICK code(s).
  5. Share your CHICK code with Little Bunnies so we can register your hours.

If you need help at any stage, please just ask, we can guide you step by step.

ECCE vs NCS – What’s the Difference?

ECCE

  • Free preschool hours
  • For children in the eligible age range
  • Term-time only
  • Fixed daily hours (e.g. 3 hours per day)

NCS

  • Financial subsidy towards childcare fees
  • Can cover additional hours or non-ECCE places
  • Amount depends on household circumstances and hours
  • Can be used alongside ECCE for extra hours

Need Help with ECCE or NCS?

We know childcare funding can feel overwhelming. At Little Bunnies, we:

  • Help you check ECCE eligibility for your child
  • Provide any paperwork you need from us
  • Explain how NCS will affect your fees
  • Support you with CHICK codes and agreeing funded hours

ECCE & NCS Approved Montessori Preschool

[email protected]
Tel. 086 842 5687

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