These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week 27th February – 3rd March 2023.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Early Years Hive Maintenance 3-5 March 2023
The Early Years Hive and the National Childcare Scheme website will be unavailable from 7am on Friday 3 March 2023 until 9pm on Sunday 5 March due to essential maintenance. There will be no impact to your weekly payments on Friday 3 March. After this maintenance, you may need to refresh your web browser to access the portal again. The Early Years Team apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation.
Happy Talk March
Happy Talk Calendar Newsletter for March 2023. The theme for March is silly rhymes and stories.
Pre Schools-Environmental Competition 2023
The aim of this Competition is to showcase environmental projects undertaken by Pre-schools. The project can be undertaken by a class, a group of classes or the whole Preschool.
Judging: Westmeath County Childcare and Westmeath County Council will adjudicate.
Conditions & Guidelines of the Competition:
- The Preschool children must produce a piece for the Garden/Outdoor sculpture, something that will stand up to use outdoors environment.
- It must be created 100% from recycled materials. The materials must not be bought new but should be sourced from items that were being dumped or no longer in use.
- There is no size limit on the item created.
- The creations can be displayed outside the Cathaoirleach awards.
- One entry per Preschool.
- 3 – 5 photos of the project must be submitted with your application (No Faces of The Children, and these may be used in promotional material for the Cathaoirleach Awards.)
- All Pre Schools must have written consent from parents for photos to be used for promotional activities for the Cathaoirleach Awards.
- Project Description must accompany the project – 400 words
- All projects must be located within County Westmeath.
What are we looking for ?
Unique outdoor environments sculpture that promote child led learning. This sculpture should promote the use of natural and or recycled materials.
Step One:
- Take 5-7 photos of your outdoor sculpture – (No Children’s Faces).
- Include your logo.
Step Two:
- Fill out application form attached below.
Step Three:
- Email photos and application to info@westmeathchildcare.ie
- No photos with children’s faces can be accepted
Step Four:
- Closing date 5pm on 24th of March 2023
Step Five:
- Winners will be invited by the Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council to the awards ceremony.
- All services will receive a certificate of participation in the Pre School Environmental Awards 2023 .
Step 6 :
- All entrants will be uploaded to WCCC website/social media and used in promotional activities of Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach Awards
Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.
Closing date for applications is Friday 24th March 2023 at 5pm.
Childminding Online Session
Session 3 – Childminding and Parent Contracts : 8th March 2023
This information session will support childminders operating a childminding service to:
• Adopt a professional approach by using a contract between a childminder and parent
• Look at the benefits of establishing formal contracts with parents/guardians
To book the 10 am session – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/560482246487
To book the 7pm session – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/560484884377
This event is hosted by Westmeath County Childcare Committee in collaboration with Kildare, Offaly and Longford CCCs.
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
