Applications can now be made for pre-school credit for 2015/16.

The scheme provides ?800 towards the cost of pre-school to all parents of children who reach their fourth birthday between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016.

An additional ?700 is available to parents in receipt of Employed Person’s Allowance, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

The credit can be used with registered providers of child day-care who offer a pre-school provision.

Up to one half of the total credit can be used between September 2015 and February 2016 and the remaining balance, or the whole amount, can be used between March 2016 and August 2016.

Parents can apply via the Isle of Man Government website http://www.gov.im/categories/education,-training-and-careers/pre-school/. 

Alternatively, copies of the application form are available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas, the DEC’s office at Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, or by ringing 685832.

Parents who still wish to apply for credit for the current academic year can do so online via the link above.

Completed forms can be emailed to Pre-SchoolCredit.DEC3@doe.gov.im or posted to:

Department of Education and Children
Hamilton House
Peel Road
Douglas, IM1 5EP
Tel: 01624 685832

A list of registered providers of child day care who offer pre-school provision is available via the same weblink.

The website also answers frequently asked questions here https://www.gov.im/categories/education,-training-and-careers/pre-school/pre-school-credit-scheme-faqs/. 

The Government-funded scheme was launched after the Department of Education and Children ceased to provide pre-school places in 2012. It means all children can access pre-school.

In the 2013-14 academic year, a total of 889 certificates were issued to parents of children having their fourth birthday during the year. Of these, 650 certificates were at the standard credit amount, while 239 parents received the higher rate.

So far during the 2014-15 academic year, 866 certificates have been issued, 616 at the standard rate and 250 at the higher rate.