A scheme designed to help childcare providers support children with additional needs has seen strong uptake since its launch in 2025, the DESC has said.
The Childcare Inclusion Scheme has been signed up to by 38 out of 42 day care providers on the Isle of Man.
Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Daphne Caine, told the Social Affairs Policy Review Committee that Level 1 payments totalling £188,165 have already been made.
“Applications are coming for the level two, which is for the children who were not able to access or participate at all in early years or education settings currently,” she said.
The enhanced Level 2 payment provides more than £8,000 over the year for additional support, including staffing, resources or equipment for individual children.
Chief Officer Graham Kinrade said the department meets regularly with providers to assess how the scheme is working.
He said that the feedback from those providers “will make us aware as to whether those level one payments are enabling that extra adjustment to allow more children to engage, and then whether the level twos are at sufficient level to enable those children with more challenging requirements to also engage”.
Mrs Caine confirmed a review of the scheme is due to begin this month to evaluate its effectiveness and value for money.