These are the information, deadlines, and announcements for the week of 12th – 16th May 2025.
DEADLINE / IMPORTANT DATES:
6th May 2025: Access & Inclusion Model (AIM) Level 4, Level 5 and Level 7 standard applications for the 2025/2026 programme opened
27th May 2025: Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 open from 6th May – 27th May 2025
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Access & Inclusion Model (AIM)
Access & Inclusion Model (AIM) Level 4, Level 5 and Level 7 standardinitial and Review & Confirm applications for the 2025/2026 programme year are open.
AIM Level 7 Plus and Non-term applications for the 2025/26 programme call will open mid-summer.
Services are reminded to submit any relevant AIM application at least three months prior to a child’s planned start date in ECCE.
For further support, please see the Better Start / AIM – Service Provider Portal
AIM non-term 2024/2025
Please submit your AIM Non-term 2024/2025 applications for the summer months on the Early Years Hive as soon as possible.
If you have already submitted the applications and did not include the required summer dates, please submit a ‘change of circumstance’ review to add the relevant dates.
A guide on submitting a change of circumstances review can be found here.
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Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25
The 2024/2025 Annual Early Years Sector Profile survey has opened. The survey will remain open until Tuesday, 27 May 2025 and can be accessed through the Early Years Hive Here.
Please ensure your Service Profile has been updated on the Early Years Hive on or after Friday, 2nd May.
This ensures that the most up to date information is included in the data collected for the survey.
All services are encouraged to complete the survey; however, completing this year’s survey within the open window is mandatory for all existing Core Funding Partner Services.
Services wishing to become a Core Funding Partner Service in the future must also complete the survey before submitting their Core Funding application.
For more information and support, please go to AEYSP Survey – Service Provider Portal.
FAQs are also available on the Early Years Hive on the Cross Programme – Documents page (here).
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Better Start Quality Development Service Information Webinar
The Better Start Team work in a mentoring capacity with Early Learning and Care settings to support the implementation of the National Frameworks Síolta and Aistear.
Register today to secure your place at their next webinar: Better Start Quality Development Information Session. This will take place online on May 27th from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
You’ll have the chance to connect with team members and explore the mentoring options available for your setting.
Visit the Better Start Website Training and Events or click on this link to register.
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New Garda Vetting procedures
Since February 1st 2025, New Garda Vetting procedures for ELC and SAC services have been implemented. The following changes will take effect:
• Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) will manage Garda Vetting services for all ELC & SAC employees. Membership with ECI is not a requirement to avail of vetting services.
• Tusla will manage Garda Vetting services for registered providers including Chairpersons of Boards of Management and Childminders.
• As part of these changes, Barnardos will no longer provide vetting services.
More detailed information on the new Garda Vetting procedures can be found on the gov.ie website HERE.
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My Little Library 2025
My Little Library 2025 information is attached. Please share this information with families using your service.
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Upcoming Training Courses and Events
Online Webinar with Dr Mary O’Kane
Supporting Positive Behaviour in the ECCE setting
Westmeath CCC are delighted to welcome Dr. Mary O’Kane for an online webinar for early years educators on Supporting Positive Behaviour in the ECCE setting .
Date : Wednesday 21st May 2025
Time : 7pm -9pm.
Fee : €10
Tickets are available through Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1311655931199?aff=oddtdtcreator
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ALWAYS CHILDREN FIRST FOR EARLY YEARS SERVICES Basic Level One day training course. (delivered over two dates)
BOTH DAYS NEED TO BE ATTENDED TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE.
| Time: | 5.30pm – 8.30pm |
| Date: | 28th May / 4th June 2025 |
| Venue: | Clonbrusk Childcare Centre, Athlone N37 C1K2 |
| Cost: | €20 (covers cost of both days) |
Book through Eventbrite : https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/always-children-first-for-early-years-service-tickets-1366935263169?aff=oddtdtcreator
BOOKING 28th May 2025 will guarantee place on both days of course
For further information and to book a place please contact the office on 0449335454 or email info@westmeathchildcare.ie
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Barnardos have 2 upcoming webinars that we hope you could share with your network? I have attached the details and graphics here for you.
- Sharing Developmental Concerns with Parents
- May 20th at 7pm
- Book your place here: May 20th 2025
- Creating Connections with Parents… Working Better Together
- June 10th at 7pm
- Book your place here: June 10th 2025
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Covid Case Advice
Please see below links to relevant information: Preventing the spread of covid 19 in school or childcare – HSE & Pre_School_ManagementInfectiousDisease.pdf
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
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As we head into the summer months, it’s a great time to refresh our awareness around water safety for young children.
Hold Hands is a child-focused campaign created by Water Safety Ireland to help parents and carers keep children safe in and around water.
With videos, tips and reminders, it highlights the importance of staying close, paying attention, and always holding hands near water.
Whether it’s bath time, paddling pools or seaside adventures, a little awareness goes a long way.
Explore the campaign: https://www.holdhands.ie/
