Dear Colleagues,
These are the deadlines, important dates, and announcements for week 02nd – 06th May 2022
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
Tuesday 3rd May 2022
- Application for AIM Level 4, 5, and 7 for the new programme year 2022/23 opened on 03/05 (see below for details).
FOR YOUR INFORMAITON:
AIM Level 4, 5, and 7
Prior to submitting your AIM Level 4 and or AIM Level 7 application for the new programme year 2022/23, Service providers must review and confirm their AIM Service Profile (under the application tab).
Changes to the Tusla Regulations
Minister for DCEDIY recently has signed 2 amending Regulations in relation to the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) sector.
The amendments will allow for the streamlining of the process of re-registration for ELC and SAC services which will result in a significant reduction in administration for services.
1.The new process permits services to re-register without having to re-submit all of the documentation provided at registration. Instead, providers will be required to sign a declaration confirming the details of the service and will only be required to submit supporting documentation in relation to proof of insurance and evidence of Garda Vetting.
2.The introduction to a statutory requirement for services to display a certificate of registration in a prominent position in the setting from January 2023. This will ensure that registration details for services are clearly visible to parents in the setting. This change will take effect from January 2023. However, Tusla will commence issuing certificates over the course of 2022, and services are encouraged to display their certificate once they receive it and in advance of the statutory deadline.
Core Funding Information
Please see Core funding model funding presentation and examples attached below. If you require any further clarifications Westmeath CCC invite you to one to one supports. To book your appointment please contact Martina on 0876767509.
Information on the Core Funding including the aims, the timeline and application process and recorded presentations from DCEDIY.
Please see link below:
Review of the Early Years Services Regulations
Public consultation on the review of the Regulations governing the ELC Sector is opened until today Friday 6th May.
Better start Training
Promoting children’s well-being through a Nurturing Pedagogy is a four- part series. The aim of this series is to emphasise the importance of children’s well-being in early childhood. How to promote well-being, consider practice strategies and reflect on how these can be applied within your ELC settings.
Superhero Day
Wear your superhero costume or any costume on Friday 20th May, as part of Children’s Hospice Week (16-20 May). By holding a Superhero Day in your service or with family or friends you can help LauraLynn give families the support they need to enjoy time together, making special memories. Register for your pack www.lauralynn.ie/heroday
LINC- Leadership for Inclusion in Early Years
Transitioning from Early Learning &Care setting to primary school Off to School poster more information @ www.lincprogramme.ie
May Happy Talk calendar
The theme for this month is Language through rhymes.
COVID case advice
There are three national helplines for services:
- The HSE dedicated number for ELC/SAC services who have confirmed positive Covid-19 cases is 01-511 9777.
- For general Covid-19 queries you can contact HSE Live on 1800 700 700 or 01 240 8787 (Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 5pm) or visit https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/
- The national out of hours support helpline operates at weekends and bank holidays only:

For additional information and guidance on Covid-19 related issues, ELC/SAC providers can access First 5 and HSPC websites via the links below:
Guidance for ELC/SAC Providers: www.first5.gov.ie/guidance
COVID-19 Childcare Settings Guidance: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/childcareguidance/’
Should you have any queries on the above, our contact details are 0449335454 or email info@westmeathchildcare.ie
Kind Regards,
Westmeath County Childcare Committee