These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week of 16th – 20th September 2024:
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
Friday 27th September 2024 @ 5pm:
Deadline for 2024 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary Applications
Thursday 24th October 2024 @5pm
AIM level 1 LINC Coordinator deadline for new graduates to receive funding backdated to the start of the programme year or the LINC Coordinators start date
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
NCS Policy Guidelines Update
The NCS Policy Guidelines have been updated to reflect the Budget 2024 subsidy increase that came into effect on 2nd September 2024. In addition to those changes, some changes have been made to the policy guidelines to clarify existing rules for providers and parents. A summary of the changes are detailed in the announcement section on Hive, and Pobal providing training on this next week (details below).
NCS Training
Pobal are delivering ‘NCS refresher and Policy Guidelines changes’ training on the following dates:
- Tuesday 24 September 2024 at 10:30am and 6.30pm
- Wednesday 25 September 2024 at 2.30pm
Please see below the links to register (please note each session will cover the same content)
NCS Refresher and Policy Guidelines Session 1
24/09/2024 @ 10:30am – 11:30am
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/631435676182540887
NCS Refresher and Policy Guidelines Session 2
24/09/2024 @ 6:30pm – 7:30pm
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8497141750175825756
NCS Refresher and Policy Guidelines Session 3
25/09/2024 @ 2:30pm – 3:30pm
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8436229905508702039
A recording of the training will be made available on the Early Years Hive along with the PowerPoint slides once the training has been completed.
AIM Level 1 (Linc Coordinator)
Applications received by 5pm on Thursday 24th October 2024 will be awarded the additional capitation from the Inclusion Co-Ordinator’s employment start date relevant to the 2024/25 programme year. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as any applications received after this date will not be backdated.
Applications must be submitted via the Early Years Hive. Applicant guidelines can be found here. Prior to submitting the AIM Level 1 application, service providers must make sure that they have completed their ECCE programme readiness steps and activated the ECCE Funding Agreement.
If you have any queries in relation to the AIM Level 1 application process, please contact the Early Years Provider Centre by raising a Request on the Early Years Hive using the following categories:
- Programme: AIM Level 1
- Request type: Application
- Request type detail: How To
Aim level 7 Plus and Non-Term Applications
(Q &A) from the training sessions.
Programme: AIM Level 7 >Request type: Application >Request type detail: How To
Financial Management tool Year 2
The Financial Management Tool for Core Funding Year 2 (2023/2024) is now available for download from Hive for Partner Services that wish to use it as a support in preparation for submission.
This is under the new heading Financial Management Tool Year 2 (2023/2024), link below:
Core Funding – Documents – Service Provider Portal (ncs.gov.ie)
Fee Increase Assessment and Approval Process
To submit an expression of interest in the Fee Increase Assessment and Approval Process, Partner Services can contact their Development Worker directly or info@westmeathchildcare.ie. Applicant Guidelines can be found on the Hive> Resources> Programme Documents> Guidelines on Fee Management
Minister O’Gorman publishes new regulations for childminding
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, yesterday announced the publication of the new Childminding Regulations, which will come into effect on 30th September. For further information please click here.
2024 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary
The Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary 2024 offers a bursary to early years educators and registered childminders, who are working in the sector, and have obtained a recognised Level 7/8/9 award. There is also a bursary available for registered childminders who have completed a Level 5 or 6 award. Please contact kmurray@westmeathchildcare.ie for application forms and guidance.
Covid Case Advice
Please see below links to relevant information:
Preventing the spread of covid 19 in school or childcare – HSE
Management of Infectious Disease in Childcare Facilities and Other Childcare Settings (2012)
General Covid-19 queries: Contact HSE on 1800 700 700 between 8 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday / HSE Covid 19
