All of the successful projects are community-led and will be providing services in areas of disadvantage or rural isolation

Briedge Gadd, New Opportunities Fund

The 284 after school and holiday childcare places will be provided for the children of public sector staff in each of the health trusts.

Project co-ordinator Jennifer Buchanan revealed that the cash boost would secure good, affordable childcare for many public sector staff who found it difficult to find provision.

"This grant will make a significant contribution to childcare provision for many staff," she said.

"There is such a shortage of staff at present within the health service and many trusts are competing to get good nurses back on the wards.

Community-led

"Offering accessible childcare is a good way of encouraging people, particularly women, back into the work place."

Briedge Gadd, the fund's board member in Northern Ireland said the grants would make a very special contribution at local community level.

"The projects will bring affordable, accessible and quality childcare right into the heart of communities across Northern Ireland," she said.

"I am particularly pleased to see that all of the successful projects are community-led and will be providing services in areas of disadvantage or rural isolation."

Children with special needs will also benefit from the grants following a �90,000 provision for registered childminders across the province.

Among other programmes to benefit from the latest grants include NIPPA, the early year's organisation which has received a grant of �138,157 which will be used to create places for children aged between four and 12.