These are the deadlines and announcements for the week of 23-27 June 2025.
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
27th June 2025 (today):Deadline for AIM applications for the 2024/25 programme call
30 June 2025 – AIM Level 7 Plus & Non-term applications will open
1st July 2025: Deadline for submission for Tusla Change in Circumstance
31 July 2025: QIPP Report Template recommended completion date
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
2025/2026 Programme Readiness
Programme readiness tasks for Core Funding, ECCE, NCS & CCSP Saver are now available for completion on HIVE.
All guidance and support documents are available in the Resources section of HIVE.
The Announcements issued on 6 June & 9 June also contain links directly to the specific support documents including programme checklists (attached).
http://westmeathchildcare.ie/ecce-ncs-ccsp-programme-readiness-2025-with-checklists/
If you would like to book an appointment or have any queries on the above announcements , please call the office on 04493-35454 or email
Natasha – nreid@westmeathchildcare.ie
Karen – kmurray@westmeathchildcare.ie
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Year 4 Core Funding updates
Following the recent announcement by Minister Foley on the changes to Year 4 Core Funding (2025/2026), the ‘What’s new for Partner Services in Core Funding Year 4 2025-26’ document
as well as other support documents are available on HIVE and through the following link; Core Funding Q&A
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Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) Level 5 Equipment Journey Infographic
An Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) Level 5 Equipment Journey Infographic is now available under the Help & Support section on the Early Years Hive.
The infographic provides a snapshot of the journey of AIM Level 5 Equipment.
AIM Plus & Non-term Applications
AIM Level 7 Plus & Non-term applications will open for applications on Monday 30 June. Pobal will release further information and guidance on that date.
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QIPP Report Template 2024/2025
QIPP report template 2024/2025 is now available for completion on www.cfcrrs.ie .
Services are strongly encouraged to complete the end-of-year QIPP report by Thursday 31 July 2025.
The final deadline for completion is Tuesday 30 September 2025.
A QIPP Technical Guidance Video: How to Complete a QIPP Report is available here
Should you require support getting started, if you experience technical difficulties, or at any stage of your Quality and Inclusive Practice Planning process
please contact Martina or Sharon on 0449335454.
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June 2025 Early Years Sectoral e-Bulletin
Earlier this week, Department of Children, Disability & Equality published the Early Years Sectoral e-Bulletin.
You can access the document here: June 2025 Early Years Sectoral E-Bulletin
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Change in Circumstances 2025
( Tusla document attached )
Change in Circumstance Applications
In accordance with the Regulations, a Registered Provider must submit a complete change in circumstance application at least 60 days in advance of the proposed change.
Fully completed applications (which includes the submission of all required documentation) for change in circumstances that are submitted before 01st July 2025 will be approved for operation in September 2025.
Applications submitted after this date are unlikely to be approved in time for the beginning of the new academic year.
Please note that some categories of change requests such as change of service type to part time or full day, change of address and increase of numbers may require a fit for purpose inspection and time taken to complete same.
This should be factored into your preparations.
Guidance document issued by TUSLA on Vetting for Students
Please see link below to new guidance document issued by TUSLA on Vetting for Students:
https://www.tusla.ie/…/CSR-GDE14.18_Guidance_on_Vetting…
Tusla Registration Renewal
We encourage all services to check the Early Years register Early Years register or School Age register or your current Tusla certificate to confirm your current registration date.
Services are required to complete a registration renewal every 3 years.
Services are required to have a completed application submitted on the Tusla portal 2 months before the expiry of the current registration date.
Tusla facilitate registration renewals up to 6 months in advance of the current registration date. It is advised that you apply for updated Garda Vetting in a timely manner.
Due to the recently implemented changes to Garda Vetting procedures, the process may take extra time.
You can access details of the new Garda Vetting procedures here.
Further information on the registration renewal process can be accessed on the Tusla early years registration renewal webpage.
If you have any queries on the above you can contact scleary@westmeathchildcare.ie
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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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Let’s get Ready & Let’s Play Ireland campaigns
DCDE have asked to share the following information and resources with parents and families:
Let’s get Ready has lots of useful information on:
- Starting pre-school
- Starting primary school
- Information for families with children of disabilities.
- Information resources.
Let’s Play Ireland has tonnes of information on:
- Types of Play
- Rainy day ideas
- Messy play ideas
- Family fun ideas and free outdoor and indoor adventures
- Family events throughout the summer
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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 Events & Information Sessions
Updated Aistear 2024 Workshops
For further information and mentoring on the updated Aistear 2024 Westmeath County Childcare Committee (WCCC) would now like to invite childcare services to workshops on the updated Aistear 2024, details outlined below:
Core Funding supports Partner Services with their financial sustainability while enhancing the quality, affordability, and accessibility of their services.
In accordance with Partnership for the Public Good, (DCEDIY 2021) the Core Funding model commits to drive high-quality service provision.
To support this, Core Funding requires all early learning and care (ELC), school-age childcare (SAC) and childminding services that benefit from Core Funding to complete a Quality Action Plan.
Attendance at this training will link directly to your Quality and Inclusive Practice Plan (QIPP) 2025/26 outlining steps your service plans to take during the upcoming year in addition to the reporting template in June 2026 to highlight supports and mentoring undertaken to implement your QIPP plan.
Please contact Martina at mboyce@westmeathchildcare.ie to book your place.
Early years preschool to primary training for parents
The National Parents Council are running free online information sessions for parents on a variety of dates and times from 30 June to 4 July 2025.
For further information, please see poster attached.
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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
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/
The HSE’s factsheet “Playing Outdoors – Skin Protection for Children” is a great resource to help early years educators and families keep children safe in the sun.
It offers simple, practical tips on sun protection to ensure outdoor play remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.
📝 Read the factsheet: https://www.hse.ie/…/factsheet-playing-outdoor-skin…
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If you have any further questions on the above, you can call the office on 0449335454 or reply to this email info@westmeathchildcare.ie.
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