Dear Colleagues,
These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week 9th to 13th January 2023.
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
Sunday 1st January 2023
New Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for employees was introduced
Friday 13th January 2023 *Today*
AIM Level 7 extension applications ONLY
Monday 16th January 2023
Irish-medium education Phase 1 consultation – Final date for questionnaire completion
Wednesday 18th January 2023 *New*
All Services signed up to Core Funding must complete the ‘Review and Confirm’ process on Hive or payments will be on placed on hold
Thursday 19th January 2023 *New*
Ukrainian Survey and capacity Data Collection to be completed. Link attached below.
Friday 27th January 2023 @ 5 pm
Deadline for submission of December 2022 (FIR’s) The Finance and Impact returns
Monday 30th January 2023 *Extension*
Irish-medium education Phase 1 consultation – Final date for written submissions
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Ukrainian Survey and Capacity Data Collection
Please click on link and complete survey.
Submissions must be completed before Thursday 19th January 2023. If you have any questions regarding this survey you can contact kmurray@westmeathchildcare.ie
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
New Statutory Sick Pay for employees has been implemented since 1st January 2023, giving a legal right to a minimum of 3 days sick pay per year for each employee. Sick pay is paid by employers at 70% of your normal pay up to a maximum of €110 a day.
An employee must be working at least 13 weeks with their employer before they can get statutory sick pay. For more information follow the link to Citizens Information Employment rights- sick pay
AIM Level 7 – Extension deadline – TODAY
If there is a child attending your service who had an approved AIM Level 7 application during the 2021/22 programme call, please ensure you submit an AIM Level 7 extension application before 13th January 2023. Applications must be submitted via the Early Years Hive.
Programme – AIM Level 7, Request Type – Application, Request Type – How to
A guide to assist is available on hive – Resources – Better Start/AIM Guides
Consultation on a new policy for Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht *deadline change*
The Department of Education is carrying out a consultation process to inform the development of a new policy for Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht, including early learning and care settings, primary schools, and post-primary schools. Irish-medium early learning and care settings (e.g. naíonraí) may have a particular interest in this consultation.
You are invited to have your say on issues such as:
· How opportunities for children and young people to access Irish-medium education can be increased.
· How the supply of staff with a high standard of Irish can be increased.
· What additional supports would be useful for the Irish-medium sector.
Following a several requests from stakeholders, it has been decided that the closing date for written submissions will be extended until Monday 30th January 2023. Written submissions can be sent to POLG@education.gov.ie
The closing date for questionnaire responses will remain the same – this coming Monday 16th January 2023.
For more information :www.gov.ie/POLG
Core Funding Review & Confirm
All services signed up to Core Funding are required to ‘Review and Confirm’ their Core Funding Application information, at specified times throughout the programme year, to confirm that no changes have occurred since the submission of your core funding application.
The first Review and Confirm window opened from Thursday 12th January until next Wednesday 18th January inclusive. It is important the Review and Confirm process is completed within the required timeframe, as Core Funding payments will be placed on hold until such a time as the process is completed.
To complete the Review and Confirm process your Core Funding Application Module must be at status Approved. You can check your status in the ‘Applications’ tab on Hive > Core Funding Application Module.If your application is at “Referred back” you must address the reason for the refer back and then complete the review and confirm process.
To support services in completing a Review & Confirm form, a detailed guidance document and tailored training videos are available on the Hive Here
Core Funding allocations and payments:
Funding allocations on Hive will automatically adjust to reflect your most recently approved Core Funding Application Module.
Core Funding allocations can be viewed on the Early Years Hive under ‘Programme Funding.’
For the full Pobal notices please refer to the Hive announcement section.
More information is also available on the Hive>Resources> Help & Support> Core Funding -Guides> Core Funding Application
In addition to the guides Training videos are available on the Hive > Resources> Help & Support> Training Videos> Core Funding how-to Training videos
The Finance and Impact returns (FIRs) for December 2022 are available for completion on Pobal Online.
The DCEDIY wants to emphasize the importance of all community services to continue completing and submit FIRs to Pobal. These returns provide essential information that allows DCEDIY and Pobal to identify and help services to resolve problems. They also act as an informative tool for services in the effective planning of their financial future.
The deadline for submission for December 2022 FIR’s is 5pm on Friday the 27th January 2023. If you require any assistance in completing the return, please complete a service request on the HIVE, selecting the FIRs as the category and sub-category of the request.
Covid case advice
ELC and SAC providers and Childminders that have positive cases and require support can contact the HSE ELC/SAC dedicated helpline on 01 511 9777.
For general Covid-19 queries you can contact HSE live on 1800 700 700 or 01 240 8787 or visit the First 5 website for the most up to date information and guidance. (www.first5.gov.ie)
Should you have any queries on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on 044 9335454 or info@westmeathchildcare.ie
